Telegraph Cruise Show enjoys success and confirms 2015 dates
Telegraph Events are delighted to announce that the first Liverpool Cruise Show, which took place from the 11th – 12th October at the Echo Arena was a huge success, with 5,889 visitors attending the two-day event.
Exhibitors were extremely pleased with the event and are already confirming space for the 2015 show on 17-18 October.
Visitors who travelled from as far as the South West, Scotland, Wales & Yorkshire were able to speak with over 40 exhibitors including Cunard, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Noble Caledonia at the event, whilst there were also special guest appearances, expert talks, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and more to maximise the visitor experience.
Tim Banfield, Commercial Director, ACC Liverpool said:
“We were delighted to host the first Liverpool Cruise Show at the Echo Arena. It is fantastic that Liverpool is hosting major exhibitions and we look forward to welcoming back the event in 2015, where it will be one of the first events to take place in our new purpose built exhibition space – Exhibition Centre Liverpool.”
Mike Evans, National Sales Manager, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines commented:
“As a company with cruises departing from Liverpool we thought it was imperative that we participated, and we are delighted that we did. The attendance was good and the quality of the leads generated throughout the two days was very encouraging. We met a lot of “new to cruise” prospects and will most certainly be there next year.”
Cristina Munoz, Events & Partnerships Manager from Cunard added:
“It was a great pleasure for everyone at Cunard to be part of the first ever Telegraph Cruise Show in Liverpool and have the opportunity to talk to so many people that one way or another have had a connection with Cunard in our ‘spiritual home. The show had a lot to offer from the Cruise Line Theatre, the Kitchen Theatre, a lovely café and even a Crazy Golf! The look and feel of the show was excellent and we are looking forward to returning to the Liverpool Cruise Show during our 175th Anniversary in 2015”.
Appearances from Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish and P&O Cruises celebrity chef Atul Kochhar proved a big draw for visitors, particularly as Alan and Kenny shared some of their thoughts about cruising.
Kenny Dalglish, the former Liverpool FC player and manager, who has cruised to New York, Miami, Dubai and the Caribbean said:
“My wife suggested cruising. I didn’t fancy it. I can’t swim. Once we got there it was unbelievable. It was a transatlantic cruise and the kids loved it. If they’re happy, we’re happy.
“I was actually on a cruise when I got a call asking me if I’d come back as Liverpool manager. Now every time I go on a cruise holiday I think I’m getting a job!”
Alan Hansen, the former Liverpool FC player and television pundit, who was initially a reluctant cruiser but has since enjoyed numerous cruises, added:
“What do I like about it? Open seas, sunshine, a drink in hand and nothing going through my head… its perfection. And the service is fantastic.”
Kieron Summerhayes, Show Director of the Telegraph Cruise Shows, commented:
“We opted to launch the Show in Liverpool because of its cruising heritage and we are delighted with the feedback we’ve received from visitors and exhibitors. From day one our aim has been to offer existing cruisers a great experience, but to also attract a new audience of people who might one day go on a cruise. From feedback and our research we can say that is exactly what we’re delivering.”
