Rise in number of visiting cruise ships also helped to support 1,400 jobs for locals
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Direct expenditures from the cruise industry surpassed CAD$100 million for the Atlantic Canada region for the first time in 2016.
The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association’s (ACCA) The Economic Contribution of the International Cruise Industry in Canada 2016 report found that direct spending in 2016 reached CAD$102 million. When combined with indirect spending, the cruise industry in 2016 provided a total contribution of CAD$233 million to the economy of Atlantic Canada. In terms of employment, the number of jobs generated by the industry is estimated at 1,400, paying CAD$61 million in salaries.
“We are thrilled with these latest numbers, they simply motivate us to aim high and plan strategically with our partners to improve,” said Cathy McGrail, chair of ACCA. “2017 has a lot of exciting things to offer for the cruise industry, including Canada’s 150th celebrations, and much more.”
“The cruise sector continues to grow in our region and we are seeing the results of our collective efforts to grow the industry,” said Cathy McGrail, chair of ACCA. “We are working hard with all of our industry partners and stakeholders to further develop this growing sector.”
Atlantic Canada’s 2017 season has already started and the organisation expects a record 750,000 cruise passengers to visit the region this year. This marks an 30% year-over-year increase from the 574,00 passengers who visited in 2016.
The ACCA is a partnership between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in each of the four Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Parks Canada.