News Americas, WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO, Thurs. Oct. 4, 2012: Cruise tourism in the Caribbean generated more than $1.9 billion in direct expenditures over the last fiscal year.
That’s according to a new study from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. The FCCA commissioned study from Business Research and Economic Advisors claims that regional cruise tourism in 2011-2012 generated more than $1.9 billion in direct expenditures, 45,000 jobs and $728 million in employee wages among 21 destinations surveyed.
According to the report, 15.44 million cruise passengers spent $1.48 billion in 21 participating destinations, with per passenger expenditures ranging from $185.40 in St. Maarten to $27.10 in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and averaging $95.92.
An average of 52 percent of passengers bought shore excursions, generating $270 million in total payments to tour operators. Other notable purchases include $583 million in watches and jewelry; $158 million in clothing; $106.5 million in food and beverage and $87 million on local crafts and souvenirs.
Cruise lines spent an estimated $246.9 million in participating destinations for port fees and taxes, utilities, navigation services and ship supplies while 2.7 million crew members spent over $261 million in the 21 destinations, with per crew expenditures ranging from $138.30 in the U.S. Virgin Islands and $21.40 in St. Vincent & the Grenadines and averaging $96.98.
BREA-surveyed destinations included Antigua & Barbuda; Aruba; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Colombia; Costa Rica; Curacao; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Honduras; Nicaragua; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Kitts & Nevis; St. Maarten; St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Turks & Caicos; and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn’t surprise me,” Michele M. Paige, FCCA president said during the 19th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s Conference and Trade Show in Curaçao. “FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities.”
