REPRESENTATIVES of Dover Cruise port are meeting shipping line itinerary planners at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami this week to discuss the opportunities presented by the British Open golf championship which takes place at Sandwich next year.

John Turgoose, the port's shipping manager, says there has been a trend in recent years of cruise line selling cruises to special interest groups and using ships as floating hotels near major festivals and sports events.

"We have seen this in northern Europe in recent years with major football tournaments, Cowes sailing week and the commemoration of the D-Day landings," he said. "Golf is a leading sport in America, the biggest cruise passenger source market, and the Open represents a huge opportunity."

The Open takes place at Royal St George's from July 17 to 20, 2003.