Jamaica earned US$197.8 million (J$31 billion) from cruise tourism in the 2023-2024 season, reinforcing its status as a top destination during a record-breaking year for the industry across the Caribbean and Latin America, a new study shows.
According to the findings, released by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the region generated a historic US$4.27 billion in expenditures from 33.3 million passenger and crew visits across 33 destinations, including Jamaica.
The analysis shows a 27 percent increase in direct cruise spending over 2018, generating more than 94,000 jobs and US$1.27 billion in wages, according to the findings presented by Business Research & Economic Advisors.
“We could not be prouder of these results and what they mean for the lives and livelihoods of so many throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Michele Paige, FCCA CEO, in a media statement Sunday, from the 30th annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in St Maarten.
Other findings revealed that cruise passengers, who spent an average of US$104.36, contributed US$3.07 billion in onshore spending, while 3.9 million crew members added $229.5 million. Cruise lines invested US$968.3 million on local services, averaging US$29.3 million per destination.
“These findings not only demonstrate the economic benefits of cruise tourism but will also help foster mutual success between cruise lines and destination stakeholders moving forward,” Paige said.
With the 33.3 million passenger and crew visits representing a 13 percent increase since 2018, and most destinations seeing higher average spending, the report has underscored the growing economic importance of cruise tourism.
The study also suggests that indirect benefits, like purchases by tour operators and return visits from cruise tourists, could mean even greater long-term impact for Jamaica and the wider region.
– Janet Silvera
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