Cruise Liners Pay Up To $300K Per Port Of Call

Cruise liners are increasingly a key part of the Fijian tourism industry.

Their involvement generate about $100 mil­lion annually into the Fijian economy.

Cruise Lines International Association managing director Joel Katz revealed this during the Tourism Fiji Cruise Yachts Symposium at the Sofitel Fiji Re­sort and Spa on Saturday.

Mr Katz said there were 124 cruise liners booked into Fiji in the coming season. This surpassed pre-pandemic levels and delivered a considerable num­ber of visitor days with an economic contribution.

“Each cruise ship brings an average of $300,000 in spending per port call, the majority of that spending is on tours and excursions but 80 per cent of passen­gers pre-booking tours, and the remaining spending remains on shopping and food and beverage.

“While this is great news for Fiji destinations, we need to acknowledge that some destinations around the world are re-evaluating the importance of cruis­es to their economic and social wellbeing.

He said the economic impact reported that private businesses received about 70 per cent of that total economic impact and the Fijian Government re­ceived around 30 per cent both direct and indirect.

“That is really why it’s so imperative that we come together in forums like this, to rally up in unity, to work with our partners such as your au­dience because we do need to ensure that your voices are heard and that our contribution to your economic well-being is fully appreciated,” he said.

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Story by: waisean@fijisun.com.fj