 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
NEWS RELEASE City of Portland CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Cruise Ship Visits Bring Millions to the Local Economy UMO economists find last year's visits generated up to $8 million What: Today, University of Maine at Orono economists, Todd Gabe and Jim McConnon, Jr., released an economic impact study of Portland's 2008 cruise ship season. The study commissioned by the City of Portland found in 2008 that passengers spend between $80 to $110 in the Greater Portland area generating between $5.8 million and $8 million for the regional economy and creating 69 to 96 full and part time jobs. During this season, which kicks-off this week with the arrival of the American Glory and Grande Caribe, forty-five cruise ships carrying nearly 70,000 passengers are expected to visit, setting a new record for Portland. The city already has sixty-eight ships carrying 78,000 passengers booked for next year - a doubling of ships in just two years. "The Portland waterfront is a vital economic engine for the state and regional economies," stated Portland Assistant City Manager Pat Finnigan. "Having the solid, current data, which this report provides, will help us develop long term strategies to maximize the impact of the cruise industry and by working with our local and regional partners, we will be able to make the most out of this economic boost for merchants, restaurants, and retail shops during these unpredictable financial times." "For the past three years, the City of Portland with its local partenrs have been working hard to market the port to cruise lines and based on numbers of this year and the next, the work is paying off," continued Finnigan. "While the study focused solely on the cruise ship passenger, it is important to note that a number of local maritime related businesses including port agents, pilots, and stevedores directly benefit from each cruise ship visit. These businesses create and provide the local economy with well paying jobs and keep our waterfront working." The report is available through the University of Maine, School of Economics or by contacting Todd Gabe at 207-581-3307.
###The CruiseMaine Coalition in partnership with the Maine Port Authority and the communities of Bangor, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Camden, Eastport, Freeport, Kennebunk-Kennebunkport, Portland, Rockland and several Associate Members including Chase Leavitt & Co., Discover New England, Down East Magazine, FlyBangor, GetEtched, Maine & Co., Maine Office of Tourism, Maine Tourism Association, Maine Department of Transportation, Penobscot Bay & River Pilot’s Association, and the Washington County Commissioner’s Office works to promote these communities to the travel trade, travel media and cruise industry as attractive cruise destinations. We also provide the relative community and business support necessary for these areas to become and remain viable, productive cruise destinations while promoting cultural preservation and responsible tourism.
|
