SAN JUAN (EFE).— The cruise industry generated record income of 4.2 billion dollars between 2023 and 2024, an increase of 27% compared to five years ago, in visits to 33 Caribbean territories.
This was announced by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) at a conference of the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association on the island of Saint Martin, after giving details of a survey it carried out in said period, according to Caribbean media.
The survey was the first BREA had organized in five years and provided data on what travelers buy, the type of excursions they take and the travel recommendations they give to others.
The ten destinations that generated the most money in that time were Bahamas (654 million dollars), Cozumel, Mexico (483 million), US Virgin Islands (258 million), Dominican Republic (251 million), Saint Martin (237 million), Puerto Rico (201 million), Jamaica (197 million), Costa Maya, Mexico (187 million), Honduras (180 million), Cayman Islands (161 million) and Aruba (133 million).
The 33 destinations participating in the survey received a total of 29.4 million visits to their coasts from cruise travelers.
Each passenger spent approximately $104.36, for a total of $3.07 billion. The average spending per passenger increased in 5 years in 26 of the 31 destinations, and 14 of them achieved an average spending of $100 per traveler.
In total, the 33 destinations received some 3.9 million visits to their coasts by crew members, who, according to the study, spent 229.5 million dollars.
The BREA also detailed that between 2023 and 2024, the sector helped create a total of 94,027 jobs, with salaries that overall amount to 1,270 million dollars, an increase of 19% compared to the survey carried out in 2018.
Likewise, cruise lines spent 968.3 million dollars, an average of 29.3 million per destination.
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**Interview with Cruise Industry Expert: Insights on Record Earnings and Caribbean Destinations**
**Editor:** Today, I’m speaking with Lisa Donovan, a cruise industry expert and analyst, to discuss the recent report on cruise revenue generated in the Caribbean. Thanks for joining us, Lisa!
**Lisa Donovan:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** The report indicates that the cruise industry generated a record income of $4.2 billion between 2023 and 2024. That’s a significant increase of 27% compared to five years ago. What do you attribute this growth to?
**Lisa Donovan:** Several factors have contributed to this remarkable growth. First, there’s been a resurgence in travel following the pandemic, with many people eager to explore new destinations. The Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is a top choice for travelers. Additionally, cruise lines have been investing in new ships and enhancing onboard experiences, making cruising more appealing than ever.
**Editor:** That’s an exciting development for travelers! The report mentions that this income came from visits to 33 Caribbean territories. Are there particular destinations that are becoming increasingly popular among cruise passengers?
**Lisa Donovan:** Absolutely! Destinations like Cozumel, St. Thomas, and the Bahamas continue to be favorites. However, we’re also seeing a rise in interest in lesser-known ports like Grenada and Bonaire. Travelers are looking for unique experiences, which these emerging destinations can provide.
**Editor:** With such high demand for cruising, how do you see the future of the industry evolving in the Caribbean?
**Lisa Donovan:** The future looks bright! We can expect more eco-friendly initiatives as cruise lines recognize the importance of sustainable tourism. There’s also likely to be a focus on providing immersive experiences that connect travelers to local cultures. The industry will continue adapting to meet customer preferences, making it a dynamic sector.
**Editor:** It sounds like an exciting time for both the cruise industry and travelers alike. Thanks for sharing your insights, Lisa!
**Lisa Donovan:** My pleasure! I look forward to seeing how the industry evolves.
