Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Cruise Lines International Association ’s Andy Harmer joins the Visitor Economy Advisory Council, championing responsible travel and shaping UK tourism’s bright future. Andy Harmer, the managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for the UK and Ireland, has been appointed to the prestigious Visitor Economy Advisory Council. This appointment aims to leverage Harmer’s extensive expertise in the tourism and cruise sectors to influence the future of tourism planning, responsible travel, and innovative strategies in the UK.
The council will work closely with Chris Bryant MP, the minister for arts, creative industries, and tourism, to shape the country’s tourism strategy across inbound, outbound, and domestic sectors. Harmer’s inclusion on the council is expected to bring critical insights, particularly from the cruise industry, which sees over 2 million British holidaymakers embarking on cruises annually. His expertise will also highlight the significant contributions of the cruise sector in supporting remote coastal communities across the UK.
These communities benefit not only from the influx of international visitors but also from sustainable tourism initiatives encouraged by the cruise industry. The Visitor Economy Advisory Council is tasked with addressing key aspects of tourism planning and strategy. By incorporating input from leading figures in the travel and tourism industry, the council aims to maximize the bene.