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Cruise ship tourism contributes significantly to global economy, says study
CMC
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) - The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) last Wednesday welcomed an international study that found there had been a significant increase in revenue from the cruise tourism sector despite a downturn in the global economy.
"This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn't surprise me," FCCA president Michele M Paige told delegates attending the week-long 16th Annual Florida Cruise Association conference here.
"FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities - not obstacles," she said, a position that was endorsed by the association's chairman Micky Arison.
"No industry is recession-proof, but the cruise industry traditionally has been recession-resistant," said Arison, who is also chairman and chief executive officer Carnival Corporation & plc.
The study by the Business Research and Economic Advisors found that FCCA-regional cruise tourism in 2008-2009 generated more than US$2.2 billion in direct expenditures, 56,000 jobs and US$720 million in employee wages among the 29 destinations surveyed.
The study analysed spending by passengers, crew members and cruise lines in destinations from the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and South America, said Andrew Moody, president of the US-based research group.
He said the cruise lines spent an estimated US$279.9 million for port fees and taxes, utilities, navigation services and ship supplies.
"These expenditures have a direct impact on local employment and wages," Moody said.
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