Led by Southampton City Council, the Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference in Southern England project has made huge strides in a bid to boost tourism for the ports of Southampton and Plymouth.

The partnership, which includes Associated British Ports, Southampton Cultural Development Trust, Visit Hampshire, Go Southampton, Destination Southampton and Destination Plymouth, has worked to develop a range of itineraries for visiting cruise lines that will showcase all the cultural and historical attractions in and around the cities of Southampton and Plymouth.

The Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference in Southern England project is one of a number to receive funding from the UK Government’s £40 million Discover England Fund. The fund is administered by VisitEngland and involves a programme of activity to ensure that England stays competitive in the rapidly growing global tourism industry, by offering world-class English tourism products to the right customers at the right time.

Research suggests that over 50% of passengers arriving on a transit call in Southampton leave and go on shore excursions outside of the local area. The Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference in Southern England project serves to increase visitor numbers for businesses and attractions local to Southampton and Plymouth by encouraging visitors to stay local for longer.

Laura Campbell, Project Manager, Leisure Excursions for Cruise and Conference comments: “Research has shown that each cruise call into Southampton generates an estimated £2 million for the local economy and approximately £55 is spent per person on a cruise itinerary. By promoting the regional options that are available for tourists close to the ports, businesses and the visitor economy will benefit.”

VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe adds: “This project showcases the outstanding locations packaged together on the South Coast, giving visitors the opportunity to discover more of England as they disembark from Southampton or Plymouth and explore the cultural and rural charm of the country.”