St Andrews business leaders hope to boost the town’s tourism economy by laying out the welcome mat to cruise ship passengers.
Those in the town’s tourism industry are to be taught how to make the most of the expanding market.
In partnership with Cruise Forth, St Andrews Business Improvement District will host a seminar on the topic next month.
BID chairman Alistair Lang said: “Throughout 2016, close to 100 cruise ships will visit the Forth and Tay, giving St Andrews businesses access to over 90,000 passengers and crew.
“It is our intention to provide our levy-paying businesses with valuable insights and information on how they can best take advantage of this growing sector.”
Cruise Forth was set up by volunteers of the Forth Bridges Tourist Group to welcome cruise ship passengers and direct them to places of interest.
Last year, its fifth in operation, it won a VisitScotland Thistle Award.
Project manager Peter Wilson said: “We are delighted to see BID St Andrews working in such a pro-active manner, and the more we can do to help St Andrews businesses become more cruise-friendly the better.
“We look forward to sharing our expertise with local businesses and answering any questions they may have.”
The seminar on May 12 in the Byre Theatre, which starts at 6pm, is intended to be the first of many business networking sessions by St Andrews BID, which was formed in January.
The organisation aims to increase visitor numbers, engagement and spend as well raising awareness of the town among an even wider audience.
