Upwards of US$1.4 million has been injected by cruise ship passenger arrivals for 2023.
This was revealed by the Tourism Ministry on Wednesday in a news release.
It said in a May 2023 ‘Survey Report of Cruise Visitors to Trinidad’ prepared by Tourism Trinidad Ltd (TTL), cruise ship visitors spent on average approximately US$50 and crew members US$ 26 per visit.
“By these estimates, the money injected into the economy thus far is upwards of US$1.4 million. This figure is expected to continue to grow as we welcome 22 more cruise calls to the Port-of-Port of Spain for the season.”
The ministry said visitors enjoyed pre-packaged tours to key tourist attractions such as the Maracas waterfalls, a city tour, and then to Maracas beach or Mt St Benedict, kayaking on the Caroni River and a Paramin 4x4 adventure.
It noted that a total of 21 maxi taxis transported visitors to the various sites that showcase the island’s history and natural beauty.
In terms of arrival, 28,000 visitors have come to Port of Port of Spain since 2023/2024 Cruise Season began.
Destination Trinidad noted 2,600 passengers arrived on the Jewel of the Seas, while the MSC Seaside’s inaugural visit to Trinidad last Thursday, brought 4,234 passengers, the largest group to Trinidad’s shores for the current cruise season.
Some 48,243 passengers arrived via 29 cruise ship calls in the 2022/2023 cruise ship season.
Based on the early numbers, the visitors are on pace to surpass the 2019/2020 visitor numbers as 88,000 visitors are expected throughout the season
Minster Randall Mitchell said he is “pleased with the increase in cruise calls as a result of our strategic destination marketing. Visitor arrivals will not only provide economic benefits to the island but the opportunity for cultural exchanges between the visitors and our citizens as well.”
