Florida is the World's Port of Call

| 4/15/2015

The Future of the Florida Cruise Industry

Cruise ship

The cruise industry shows no signs of winding down, and most Florida cruise ports are expected to increase their cruise passengers by FY2016-17. Port Canaveral in particular is expected to become the most visited cruise port (surpassing PortMiami), according to a 2014 Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council report.¹³

As announced at Cruise Shipping Miami 2015, trips to Cuba are on the horizon, as soon as general tourism is allowed.¹⁴ In addition, cruise lines will aim to attract more passengers from Asia, as a new industry report shows that Asia is experiencing double-digit growth in cruise ships, passengers, and ports.¹⁵

Conclusion

This Florida TaxWatch Economic Commentary is also available in PDF format:
"Florida is the World's Port of Call"

Florida’s seven cruise ports welcomed more than nine million visitors in 2013, creating more than 140,000 Florida jobs and generating $7.3 billion in direct spending. In addition, more than half of U.S.-based cruise line employment, and the cruise industry’s major global event, Cruise Shipping Miami, call Florida home. Cruise activity in Florida is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as most seaports are expected to increase their passengers by FY2016-17.

While traditional destinations are expected to continue to be in demand, Cuba will become a popular destination, and Asia will offer growth opportunities. With careful stewardship of its tourism industry, and the cruise component therein, Florida can remain the world’s port of call for many years to come.

13   Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council. “The Five-year Florida Seaport Mission Plan.” May 2014.
14   Sun Sentinel. “Cruise Line Leaders have sights on Cuba.” March 17, 2015.
15   Travel Agent Central. “CLIA Releases Asia Cruise Trends Study at Cruise Shipping Miami.” March 18, 2015.

Economic Commentary written by
Jennifer Linares, MS &Research Analyst

Robert Weissert, Sr. VP for Research & General Counsel
Chris Barry, Director of Publications

Michelle A. Robinson Chairman, Florida TaxWatch
Sen. George LeMieux, Chairman, Center for Competitive Florida

Dominic M. Calabro, President, Publisher, and Editor

Florida TaxWatch Research Institute, Inc.
www.floridataxwatch.org

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