The Haven Gateway subregion has a huge amount to offer to the market - and a unique partnership took that message to the heart of the cruise industry by attending the prestigious Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 exhibition this month (March).

The Haven Gateway and Harwich International Port teamed up with a series of other partners - UK Trade & Industry, Adnams Brewery, Tastes of Anglia, East of England Tourism and Essex County Council Tourism - to promote the "Harwich brand" at what is the world's largest gathering of cruise lines and businesses.

"Despite the current economic climate, cruise shipping is still a reasonably strong travel market and its appeal continues to grow, with cruise ships and itineraries catering for the full range of budgets and tastes," said Haven Gateway project director Richard Morton.

"The opportunities for the Haven Gateway and our broader economy cannot be overstated. This year we will see about 60 cruise vessels call at Harwich - half a dozen of these will be transit (or day) calls, and the rest will be in the port for full turnrounds."

Studies show that for every cruise passenger on a transit call, the local economy will benefit from an average €100, whether this is spent on coach excursions, in restaurants or in the local shops. There are also enormous opportunities to keep cruise passengers in the beautiful and varied Haven Gateway area for an extra few days before or after their voyage from Harwich.
There were over 800 exhibitors' stands at Miami. "We were one of only half a dozen UK ports represented - and unusual in our broad partnership approach," said Mr Morton.
"We had a stunning stand, thanks to a new Ipswich company, Fusion Signs, while all the graphics and branding were designed by another Ipswich company, Catapult. Cory Logistics supported us by arranging shipment of the trade stand and other items to the US."

The partnership used Miami to launch its "Tastes of Anglia" range of food and drink-based excursion ideas within the Haven Gateway, and this attracted great interest.

"We must follow this up by developing further opportunities for excursions, offering cruise companies imaginative and exciting packages based on our rich and varied local geography, history and culture," said Mr Morton.

"It's important to remember this is very much an ongoing effort and a long-term investment in our tourism economy. Cruise lines will not be dropping in unannounced tomorrow - they plan their itineraries two to three years in advance and are looking for long-term deals. They are also looking for our support and inspiration!"

Cruise is a growing market that can be under-promoted in the UK but the Haven Gateway and its partners are determined to make the most of the opportunities it offers.

"Miami gave us the opportunity to talk to the industry in depth - and there was real interest from a number of cruise lines looking to use Harwich as a base for round-Britain cruises, for day calls or for turnrounds for cruises going further afield. They understood that we are taking this seriously," said Mr Morton.

"We will be reinforcing that message again in September, when we plan to attend the Seatrade cruise exhibition in Hamburg."