Multimillion-pound Easter Ross cruise liner recovery plan in spotlight as online event looks at Cromarty Firth potential

RECOVERY plans for the multimillion-pound Easter Ross cruise liner trade will come under the spotlight next week.

The outbreak of the coronavirus crisis last March stopped the booming trade in its tracks, dealing a major blow to Invergordon, typically visited by scores of mega vessels carrying thousands of passengers throughout the season.

Highland Tourism CIC will host an online event in partnership with Port of Cromarty Firth on Tuesday at which attendees will hear recovery plans for the cruise business in the Highlands.

They will also be given an update on Opportunity Cromarty Firth, a partnership of organisations exploring the opportunity for the Cromarty Firth to become a strategic national renewable energy hub and free trade zone.

Cruise business is worth in the region of £20m to the local economy and brings around 170,000 passengers to the Highlands annually.

Opportunity Cromarty Firth, a partnership of organisations exploring the opportunity for the Cromarty Firth to become a strategic national renewable energy hub and ‘Free Trade Zone’, will also be presented

Allison McGuire, cruise manager Invergordon, Cromarty Firth Port Authority, said: “Cruise business is worth in the region of £20m to the local economy and brings around 170,000 passengers to the Highlands annually and we look forward to delivering our plans for post Covid-19 recovery to Highland Tourism Talks attendees next week. Our marketing and PR manager, Stuart Macdonald Butler will also present on Opportunity Cromarty Firth.”

Highland Tourism co-founder, Yvonne Crook said: “Highland Tourism is an independent community interest company working with leaders in the business and wider community who are invested in and passionate about the Highlands and its sustainable future.

"The Port of Cromarty Firth’s cruise business will be vital to the recovery of tourism in the Highlands and the exploratory work looking into the opportunity for the Cromarty Firth to become a strategic national renewable energy hub and Free Trade Zone could be transformational for the entire region. We are delighted to be able to facilitate this event for the tourism industry in the Highlands.”

The event will take place online via zoom webinar on Tuesday, May 11 at 11:30am and those wishing to register to attend can do so at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/153766689307

Invergordon's record year ruined by coronavirus

Concerns on cusp of multimillion-pound cruise season

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.