Cruise liners to boost Belfast economy

The Belfast economy is to receive a major boost due to the increasing number of cruise liners visiting the city's port.

An announcement today by the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau and Port Of Belfast, revealed that 23 liners will dock in the city throughout the summer months, bringing around 30,000 people to Belfast.

Some of the biggest names in the cruise ship industry will arrive in Belfast, including Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Commenting on the announcement, Lisa McMurray, Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau communications director, said: "When you consider that relatively recently there was no cruise programme to speak of in Belfast and this year, high profile companies are making up to four cruise calls here, it is amazing to think how far we have come."

Ms McMurray continued by saying that the revenue and positive PR generated by these visits are excellent news for the tourism industry in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole and added that as the vessels arrive, the BVCB and the Port of Belfast, will ensure the best possible visitor experience, with free shuttle buses being provided to bring as many passengers as possible into the city centre.

The cruise liner season will end on September 28, with the Princess Cruises liner `Star Princess` bringing around 3,700 people into the city.

Port of Belfast commercial officer, David Giffen today said that the number of liners arriving in the city has increased by last year.

He said: "This busy summer cruise season is great news for the city and builds on the success of last year when Belfast welcomed its 100,000th cruise visitor."

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Wallace Browne also welcomed the news of the cruise liners arriving in the city.

(EF/SP)