Study to explore socio-economic impact of cruise tourism
SHETLAND Islands Council (SIC) has launched a new study which should gain new insight into the economic value of cruise tourism to Shetland.
The study will also consider the social and economic impacts of cruise activity on local communities and services, as well as identify “gaps, issues, constraints and future opportunities” relating to the sector.
The news was announced at a cruise event earlier this month in Lerwick by the SIC’s economic development manager Tommy Coutts.
He said the evidence from the socio-economic study should help the SIC to address areas where investment is needed such as infrastructure improvements, “helping to inform business cases and access external funds”.
Coutts said these business cases could then go into a local plan which could support applications for the Scottish Government’s rural tourism infrastructure fund, for example.
“Part of it is looking at do we have sufficient infrastructure to manage the current cruise traffic, when they’re taking buses and going to Eshaness, Sumburgh and Scalloway and places like that,” he added.
Another aim is to provide recommendations on how Shetland should approach cruise tourism in the future, “balancing economic opportunity with long-term sustainability”.
McGregor Solutions has been appointed to undertake the study, with a report expected back later this year. The cost is the commission is just under £25,000.
The cruise sector has been growing year-on-year in Shetland, with nearly 150 calls expected in Lerwick this year.
There are also set to be cruise visits to some of Shetland’s council-run ports too.
Lerwick Port Authority cruise and marketing manager Melanie Henderson said the study will be a “good opportunity to capture what cruise tourism brings to the islands and its economic contribution”.
“Cruise guests now make up a noticeable part of Shetland’s overall visitor numbers,” she said.
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“Cruise tourism supports beyond just port operations. It helps create work, brings extra spending into local businesses, and strengthens parts of the supply chain. It also raises Shetland’s profile as a place people want to visit by sea.
“Adding to what we know about how cruise guests experience our islands will help us support local businesses and plan for steady, sustainable growth.”
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