Liverpool City Council's (LCC) plans to increase inbound tourism in the city by developing its cruise terminal has angered Southampton City Council (SCC).
LCC plans to submit a change of use application which would allow large cruise vessels to begin and end journeys in the city - as opposed to merely using Liverpool as a turnaround port.
The development would be a major boost for the city's hotels and tourism and leisure businesses, as it would provide a large increase in the number of overnight stays in the region.
LCC has, however, already received EU funding for the development of the terminal facilities and is now intending to apply for further government funding to attract cruise tourism in the city.
The announcement has angered SCC councillors who question the emergence of a 'publicly-funded competitor' to Southampton’s port.
Southampton currently caters for 67 per cent of the UK's cruise trade and - according to council figures - the industry brings around £400m into the local economy teach year.
Councillor Royston Smith, leader of SCC said: "The Port of Southampton has positioned itself as the cruise capital of Northern Europe by means of private investment. It has done it in a fair way. Liverpool must do likewise.
"We led the protests from the start and we are working closely with Associated British Ports (ABP) and The UK Cruise Port Alliance. I've met several ministers about this issue and am keen our voice is heard as part of the consultation.
