Nearly 200 cruise executives from around the world are arriving in Edinburgh this week as the prestigious Cruise Europe Conference gets underway in Scotland.

Originally planned for March 2020 but delayed due to the global pandemic, this three-day in-person event, is being held in venues across the Capital and is the largest and best attended cruise event ever to be held in Edinburgh.

Forth Ports’ cruise business, Capital Cruising, is hosting the event which gives Edinburgh the chance to showcase the unique attractions of the beautiful UNESCO city to an influential cruise audience.

Scotland is a major draw for the cruise market, Edinburgh in particular is a ‘must-see’. The cruise business is an important economic boost for Scotland and the local areas where the liners call, with many local businesses and attractions benefitting from the tourism spend.

Event host, Rob Mason, Head of Cruise for Capital Cruising in Scotland said: “We are thrilled to host the Cruise Europe Cruise Conference this week. It is important for Edinburgh and Scotland’s cruise market as we are set to welcome 200 of the world’s important players in the cruise sector to the City. After a challenging two years for the cruise industry during the pandemic, this is a great opportunity for the cruise industry to come together.

The cruise season in Scotland has restarted – Scotland is open for cruise – and is well underway and across all our ports we are expecting to welcome over 100 cruise vessels across our Scottish ports and anchorages this year which is encouraging news as people return to cruise.”

Commenting on the event, Jens Skrede, Managing Director of Cruise Europe said: “We always look out for marquee cities and ports for our annual highlight, and Edinburgh certainly ticks all the boxes. Despite the pandemic, we have a record number of delegates attending from our members and cruise line executive decision makers. We are really looking forward to the Cruise Europe Conference in this historic and vibrant city.”

Capital Cruising runs seven busy cruise terminals and anchorages across the UK and is the only port operator to offer unrivalled direct access to Edinburgh for cruise passengers.  With ports in Leith, Rosyth and anchorages at Newhaven and South Queensferry, passengers are within easy reach of the famous attractions in Edinburgh.