Study analyses economic impact of cruise industry on Caribbean

The U.S Virgin Islands was the destination in the Caribbean with the highest economic contribution during the 2005-2006 cruise year, due to it having the highest per passenger spending rate in the Caribbean, according to a survey conducted by the U.S.-based organization Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA).

The survey was conducted in partnership with 19 destinations: Antigua, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Cartagona, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Cura-cao, Dominica, Grenades, Key West, Martin-ique, San Juan, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and U.S.V.I.

"These 19 destinations showed their confidence in the positive impact the cruise industry provides through passenger and crew spending," according to a press release from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Assoc-iation. "The participants also had the chance to learn what the visitors spend their money on, along with feedback on the passenger's visits — their likes, dislikes, and intent to return as a stay-over guest because of their visit as a cruise passenger."

FCCA member lines' have had a substantial impact on the economies of Caribbean destinations. The analysis of cruise tourism's direct expenditures shows that cruise ship calls in the Caribbean during the 2005-2006 cruise year generated $1.8 billion in direct spending by passengers, crew and cruise lines.

The typical cruise ship carrying 2,000 passengers and 800 crew members conservatively generated $190,476 in passenger and crew expenditures during a single port-of-call visit. The typical port-of-call passenger spends an average of $98.01 at each port visit, while average spending per port of call by crew members is $74.56.

Total cruise tourism expenditures in U.S. Virgin Islands summed up to $362 million. St. Maarten had the second highest per passenger spending rate and the highest expenditure rate, resulting in $246 million in cruise tourism expenditures.

Despite the disruptions caused by Hurricane Wilma, which limited passenger and crew visits due to the destruction of the cruise ship piers, Cozumel still led the Caribbean in the number of passenger visits. In Cozumel, total cruise tourism expenditures were $214 million.

The Cayman Islands, with the second highest number of passenger visits, ranked fourth with $180 million in direct cruise tourism expenditures. The study also showed that Dominica was situated above average for overall cruise passenger satisfaction by destination. The island was also rated high in the "Friendliness of Resident," "Feeling of Safety Ashore," and "Meeting Visitor Expectations" categories.

© 2007 The Freeport News