THE Liverpool Pier Head River Mersey cruise turnaround go-ahead will give a crucial boost to flagging midweek hotel business.

Although party-goers fill Liverpool's hotels at weekends they are currently struggling to fill rooms between Sunday and Thursday.

With 5,200 hotel bedrooms and a further 1,500 created in the next two years attracting guests in the recession will get even harder.

However, tempting passengers to stay either before or after their cruise from Liverpool could create a new international market.

Mike Dewey, Liverpool Hoteliers’ Association chairman and Hard Days Night Hotel general manager, said: “This is fantastic news and a massive fillip for us.

“At our meeting this week members were delighted it was going ahead. Previously they’d been very disappointed that it wouldn’t happen for a long time.

“Even if cruise passengers only stayed here a couple of nights it would make a big, big difference.

“Making Liverpool a departure point is transforming as it’s overnight stays which really pump money into a city.”

Hans Koning, four star Radisson Blu Hotel general manager, said: “This is one of the most exciting things which has happened to the city in years.

“This is a huge opportunity to develop new business for Liverpool. I’ve seen the effect of this in Hamburg and it does so much.

“We have 194 bedrooms and over the last few years the midweek market has got much more challenging.

“Cruise liners carrying up to 3,500 passengers who may want to stay here will be a big step in the right direction. It is essential we develop the cruise and stay market.”

Stephen Roberts, Liverpool Crowne Plaza Hotel general manager, said: “Getting the cruise turnarounds is a hugely important result for the city.”

The 159-bedroom four star Crowne Plaza is next door to the planned temporary cruise facilities for baggage and customs at Princes Dock.