Alan Lam reporting
At the 22nd annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show, held last week in Cozumel, Mexico, delegates were told that, during the 2014-15 season, cruise tourism contributed about US$3.1 billion in 35 destinations of Mexico, Caribbean, and Latin America.
The average spending per passenger rose by 8.25% to US$103.8. More than half of the transiting passengers disembarked, participated in excursions and purchased foods and drinks on land.
A study carried out by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) suggested that cruise passengers in 2014-15 spent 30% more on excursions, 20% more on souvenirs and 2% more on foods, as compared to the previous season.
Over 75% of the US$2.45 billion spent on land were on four major categories: US$ 877 million on watches & jewellries; US$551 million on excursions; US$238 million on clothing items; and US$189 million on foods & drinks.
St. Maarten, the third most visited destination, occupied the top position in terms of passenger and crew spending, reaching US$423 million, followed by the Bahamas at US$373 million and Cozumel at US$365 million.
The industry employed 75,050 people in the region and contributed 976 million dollars in salaries. Its other economic contributions included payments of taxes, port services and supplies, totalling US$400.8 million.
