Cruise Ship Industry

Atlantic Region: Feds invest in cruise industry
By Staff, Transcontinental Media

Source: The Daily Business Buzz, June 11, 2010

The Atlantic Canada cruise industry, which turned in another strong performance in 2009, is receiving renewed support from the Government of Canada to implement its ongoing international marketing strategy.

The federal government will invest $247,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to help the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association implement its marketing strategy over the next two years as it builds on the unique qualities and strengths of Atlantic Canada as a tourism destination. The association is a partnership between ports, tourism and cruise ship interests in each of the four Atlantic provinces, ACOA and Parks Canada.

In 2009, the ACCA reported 383 port of call visits in Atlantic Canada. This is an increase that tops the 320 ports of call visits in 2008 and the 296 visits in 2007. The ACCA estimates that the total economic impact of direct spending associated with the industry in 2009 is $80 million.

“The region can attribute much of its success to education and training programs, and marketing initiatives delivered by the association,” says Jackie Chow, ACCA chair. “A strong partnership between governments, ports and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in the overall success and growth of the cruise industry in the Atlantic region.”

The goal of ACCA’s extensive marketing plan is to position the Atlantic Canada as one of the top 10 cruise destinations in the world. The plan, amongst other things, calls for joint marketing initiatives with the cruise lines; continued focus on travel trade and travel media; support for industry education and training initiatives; familiarization tours for industry representatives; association website enhancements; integration of E-mercials and development of promotional materials, all focused on bringing cruise lines and passengers to Atlantic Canada tied to the industry theme of “Journey through Our Mystical Land.”