FCCA study shows rise in crew and passenger spending across 35 destinations in 2014-2015 season
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise tourism generated US$3.16 billion in direct expenditures, 75,050 jobs and US$976 million in employee wages across 35 Caribbean, Mexican and Central and South America destinations in 2014-2015.
The figures were published in a Business Research & Economic Advisor study, which was commissioned by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and released at the 22nd annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in Cozumel, Mexico this week.
According to the study, 23.6 million passengers (93.7%) disembarked ships in the destinations in 2014-2015. Of these passengers, 65% made onshore purchases, including more than 50% who purchased a shore excursion.
The average expenditure per passenger also increased by 8.3% from the 2011-2012 season to US$103.83, amounting to a total of US$2.45 billion. On average, passengers spent 30% more on shore excursions, 20% more on local crafts and souvenirs, and 2% more on food and beverages.
In total, US$877 million was spent on watches and jewellery, while US$551 million was spent on shore excursions, US$238 million on clothing and US$189 million on food and beverages. This accounted for just over three quarters of the total passenger expenditure.
Meanwhile, the 4.5 million visiting crew members spent a total of US$302 million, with the average person spending US$67 on food and beverages, jewellery and electronics.
Cruise lines also paid around US$400.8 billion for passenger taxes and port services, as well as payments to local businesses for supplies and services.