Roger Blum introduces World Leisure Congress to cruising's economic impact

Roger Blum, principal of Cruise & Port Advisors and former long-time Carnival Cruise Lines executive, provided a cruise perspective as a speaker on Monday's keynote panel. He talked about cruising's hefty economic impact in the United States and Europe, citing Business Research & Economic Advisors data, and, using Caribbean data, the significant impact that a call by a 3,500-passenger ship makes.

Blum also explained the factors going into deployment and itinerary planning.

It is believed to be the first time since the World Leisure Organization's founding in 1954 that the cruise industry featured in a congress program.

'I think their eyes were opened. They were very engaged,' said Blum, who fielded numerous questions. Professionals, academics and students from 40 countries attended the congress.

'As much as they're all studying leisure activities, it's surprising the cruise industry wasn't tracked before,' Blum told Seatrade Insider. 'Cruise is a giant part of the leisure industry,' he added, noting it has been the fastest growing segment of the travel business over the last 30 years.

The session also featured keynote speaker Roger Dow, president and ceo, US Travel Association, and panelists Dr. David Bronner, ceo, Retirement System of Alabama, and Dr. Luiz Trigo, professor of leisure and tourism, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

The congress continues through Friday.

Blum, who held various vice president positions with responsibility for hotel operations, port operations, shore excursions and entertainment during 30 years at Carnival, now runs a Miami-based consultancy with clients including attractions, on-board revenue providers and destinations such as Martinique.