Cruise spending tops $100m in Atlantic Canada

While direct spending reached $102m, when adding indirect impact, cruise tourism provided a total contribution of $233m to Atlantic Canada's economy. This created an estimated 1,400 jobs paying $61m in wages and salaries.

'The cruise sector continues to grow in our region and we are seeing the results of our collective efforts to grow the industry,' ACCA chair Cathy McGrail said. 'We are working hard with all of our industry partners and stakeholders to further develop this growing sector.'

The spending was tallied in a recent study, 'The Economic Contribution of the International Cruise Industry in Canada 2016.' The report details cruising's economic impact on the whole of Canada and shows Atlantic Canada is a premier destination with distinct ports that offer 'the thrill of discovery, the tranquility of nature and welcoming people.'

With the 2017 season already under way, ACCA is forecasting a record 750,000 passengers will visit the region. This is a 30% increase over the 574,495 passengers in 2016.

'We are thrilled with these latest numbers. They simply motivate us to aim high and plan strategically with our partners to improve,' McGrail said. '2017 has a lot of exciting things to offer for the cruise industry, including Canada’s 150th celebrations, and much more.'

ACCA is a partnership among ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in the four Atlantic Provinces, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Parks Canada. It actively promotes Atlantic Canada as a premiere spring, summer and fall cruise destination.