The maritime minister has called the cruise sector "instrumental" in building a "resilient tourism" industry after a report revealed that a leading operator will contribute £2.5 billion to the UK economy.

An Economic Impact Report commissioned by Carnival UK, the firm that runs P&O Cruises, Cunard and more, revealed that it would contribute the figure over the next five years.

Maritime minister Mike Kane responded to the data and said that it drastically helps towards the goal of welcoming 50 million international visitors per year by 2030.

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Mr Kane said: “Our maritime sector is instrumental in building a diverse, resilient tourism sector and Carnival UK’s economic report is critical in setting out the multimillion-pound and widespread impacts generated across the UK’s economy.

“We are determined to support growth in coastal regions and have set out our ambitions to welcome 50 million international visitors per year by 2030 - many of which can come from maritime.

"These findings uncover the vital role the cruise sector plays in supporting this ambition, helping local businesses and economies while also opening up the UK to international visitors, often in hard-to-reach destinations unserved by other forms of tourism.”