Deal set to boost cruise visits

More cruise ships from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida could dock in the South West in the future.

Representatives from the cruise industry in the region have been to the US trying to drum up business. The organization Destination South West was set up to promote Cornwall, Devon and Dorset ports to cruise companies around the world. Delegates have signed an agreement with a port in Miami-Dade, often described as the world's cruise capital. It means the organization can access the major US cruise lines to push Cornwall and Devon as destinations for the future and also access information on which ships call at Miami. The American cruise industry is the biggest market for the UK with more than 100 ships booked into South West ports this year, but officials say there is scope for many more. Bob Harrison, director of cruise operations for Destination South West, said the visit - which was part-funded by UK Trade & Investment - was "very successful". "We were able to meet all the cruise lines based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and show them what the South West has to offer as a cruise trip destination and it was very well received."
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