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UK Dept for Transport opens door to changing light dues
The UK Department for Transport has appealed for comments on the fees levied on cruise ships when they stop at UK ports.
One response has come from the British Tourist Authority, which argues that hefty fees deter cruise ships from visiting UK ports. The fees, known as light dues amount to about 40 pence per ton, and last for one month. They apply to the ship’s first seven visits to the port, and are capped at £16,000. This is what a ship like P&O’s Oriana, which weighs 69,000 tonnes, would pay. BTA is joined in the campaign by Cruise UK, which comprises representatives of the UK cruise community.
Cruise UK argues the UK “is not seen as a cruise-friendly destination”, so altering the charges would encourage more cruise ships to call at British ports. Last year, the number of cruise passengers visiting the UK was 22.8 million, down 9% from 2000.
Cruise UK has proposed either:
or
The Passenger Shipping Association supports Cruise UK. Director, Bill Gibbons told TravelMole: “We support the campaign, but only if it means that other payers of light dues will not end up paying more”. Mr Gibbons said the DfT will now produce a consultation paper for further review.
Cruise UK estimates that the UK economy is boosted by as much as £100 million from cruise passengers. It said: “If the number of turnaround calls could be increased by 25%, Cruise UK estimates that visitor spend would be increased by £2 million, generate 55 jobs within the tourism industry and generate a further £230,000 in VAT contributions”.
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