A new report has highlighted the "huge potential" of the cruise sector as a source of income for the British tourism industry.

The European Cruise Council released figures showing that passengers visiting the UK will spend an average of £82 each in the port.

Kate O'Hara, chair of CruiseBritain, pointed out that a typical 2,000-berth ship can bring £170,000 into the local economy.

"This level of spend is significant and reaffirms our belief that the cruise market has huge potential for British tourism," she added.

Commenting on the general state of the industry in the UK, Ms O'Hara said: "Other signs are also encouraging - the demand for cruises to northern Europe is growing faster than the Caribbean market. The British cruise market is anticipated to grow by eight per cent this year."

Cruise ship visits generated some £1.7 billion for the British economy in 2009, marking an increase of more than six per cent from the previous year.