Portsmouth International Port promotes city attractions

A new marketing campaign will highlight a treasure trove of world-class attractions on the doorstep of Portsmouth International Port, as well as the wide range of destinations passengers can reach from ‘Britain’s best connected port’.

The banner headline, ‘Portsmouth Takes You There’, will be used on all marketing activity at Portsmouth International Port. Messages and images will highlight a number of reasons why passengers should choose the Port, as well as visiting the ‘Great Waterfront City’ and its famous landmarks and visitor attractions.

The Port has long promoted its unrivalled ferry connections with destinations in France and Spain. It is now moving to reinforce that message, while reminding passengers that Portsmouth is a destination in its own right, with experiences available just a stone’s throw from where ferries and cruise ships dock.

Councillor Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth City Council, joined port director Mike Sellers in the award-winning terminal building to launch the new Portsmouth Takes You There campaign. The pair stood in front of a new stylised graphic of the view that passengers see from a ferry or cruise ship while approaching and visiting Portsmouth. The display will stay in the terminal throughout the summer so passengers can use it as a backdrop for selfies and family photos.

Mike Sellers, who became port director at the start of this year, said: “Research shows that people using Portsmouth International Port enjoy exploration and independence. Our message that Portsmouth Takes You There sums up the individuality and freedom that characterises our passengers, with a simple upbeat tone that reminds everyone of the hassle-free experience they can expect. It’s is also a great way of highlighting visitor attractions on our own doorstep that can help make every journey to and from the Port extra special.”

Portsmouth International Port is owned and operated by Portsmouth City Council, with profits ploughed back into essential local services. The Port acts as an ‘economic engine’ for Portsmouth and the wider area, and it’s hoped this campaign will help encourage passengers from ferries and cruise ships to spend more time exploring the delights of the historic maritime city.

Jones said: “Portsmouth International Port is fast becoming the first-choice departure and arrival location for passengers. This campaign is an opportunity to highlight the world-class attractions in the city and also remind visitors of the additional destinations which can be reached from Portsmouth.

“As the UK’s largest council-owned port, residents directly benefit from a growth in the port’s business. We are positioning Portsmouth as a marine and maritime city, with unrivalled historic connections and innovative plans for the future. Increasing the city’s profile with the cruise market is also a priority, which will bring more visitors to the city, in turn boosting the city’s wider economy.”