Regional Cruise Tourism Up In A Down Economy

New Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Study Cites Higher Destination Spending

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Cruise spending is up in a down economy in destinations visited by cruise line-members of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.

Cruise tourism boosted revenues for ports and businesses in Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean in one of the gloomiest financial years since the Great Depression, according to an FCCA-commissioned study from Business Research and Economic Advisors.

BREA reported that FCCA-regional cruise tourism in 2008-2009 generated more than $2.2 billion in direct expenditures, 56,000 jobs and $720 million in employee wages among 29 destinations surveyed.

“”This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn’t surprise me,”" Michele M. Paige, FCCA president, told association members attending the 16th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s Conference and Trade Show in St. Lucia. “”FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities — not obstacles.”"

FCCA Chairman Micky Arison agreed. “”No industry is recession-proof, but the cruise industry traditionally has been recession-resistant,”" said Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

The new study analyzed spending by passengers, crew members and cruise lines in destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands, Mexico, Central America and South America, said Andrew Moody, Ph.D., president of the Exton, PA-based research group. Among BREA’s findings: