Cruise specialist charts course for jobs growth

A travel business focused on the cruise market has outlined expansion plans which could see its workforce double in the next 12 months.

Scotland's Cruise Centre could see its workforce double. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Scotland’s Cruise Centre, which is based in Ayr and forms part of the long-established Stewart Travel group, already employs 62 staff.

Bosses are confident that the headcount can grow to as high as 120 or so within the next year amid strong demand for holidays at sea.

The recruitment drive comes as the business moves from its existing base to much larger premises in the town. The group has seen its specialist cruise operation double in size since 2013.

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Leigh Collis, the firm’s head of cruise, said: “Our old building had served us well in previous years. However, the business has expanded so much, especially over the last couple of years that we simply outgrew it and needed to find somewhere larger and much more central to cope with the demands of our clients.”

The new complex will provide customers with access to a dedicated cruise expert who stays with them throughout the whole of the selection and booking process.

Marketing director Brian Wright said: “With the business growing at such a dynamic pace it was important to move quickly to secure much larger premises.

“If all goes according to plan we expect that our staffing levels will exceed 100 and possibly double to 120 or thereabouts within a six to 12 month period.”