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Jamaica - Second-Fastest Growing Cruise Destination
Published: Friday | December 30, 20110 Comments
Pullmantur's 'Horizon Valetta' seen here at the Falmouth Cruise Pier on March 30, 2011. - File
Steven Jackson, Business Reporter
Jamaica now ranks as the second fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean for the first time in at least five years, according to data analysed by the Financial Gleaner.
Its growth was only bettered by St Maarten among 20 regional nations, including Mexico. It resulted in 625,000 cruise arrivals to Jamaica over the first six months of 2011 or 13.9 per cent higher than year-earlier levels, according to data analysed from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association President Evelyn Smith said growth likely came at the expense of other islands. Specifically, Jamaica's growth far outpaces the projected growth for the region, she said. The World Tourism Organization, an agency of the United Nations, projected tourism arrival growth at five per cent for the Caribbean in 2011.
"You would have had to take market share from other islands," Smith said, explaining that tourism is driven by new attractions such as Falmouth Cruise Port. "So when you have something new, it would not be surprising that we would be taking calls from other islands."
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), which has responsibility for the sector, did not respond to requests for comment.
Eight of the 20 territories recorded declines in cruise arrivals year to date, with Martinique and Dominica worst hit down 68 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively. Experts at the Dominica tourist authority were unavailable for comment up to press when contacted.
Falmouth pier boost
The growth in Jamaica's cruise arrivals coincided with its February launch of the multimillion-dollar Falmouth pier. This new growth trend puts Jamaica, which was previously one of the worst performers in the region, in reach of surpassing Puerto Rico's formidable arrivals this year and extending its lead over Barbados.
Over the last five years, Jamaica placed closer to the bottom of the region, ranking 12th last year, 19th in 2009, 16th in 2008, and 21st in 2007.
The Falmouth pier already accounts for the bulk of total cruise-passenger arrivals ahead of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Port Antonio. Ocho Rios previously held the record for cruise activity.
In its first nine months of operation, February to October, the Falmouth pier landed nearly 320,500 passengers and 117,000 crew visits, generating roughly US$27.9 million (J$2.4 billion) in passenger expenditure. Financial Gleaner estimates are based on the Annual Travel Statistics 2010 published by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which stated that "cruise passengers spent an average of US$87.35 per person per night".
The Falmouth pier accommodated its first cruise liner on February 17. The official opening and docking of the world's largest passenger vessel was realised in March; however, construction continues at the facility.
The pier was developed by PAJ in partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited (RCCL), whose investments were estimated at US$167 million and US$102 million, respectively.
In March, RCCL promised to flood the historic town of Falmouth with eight million cruise-ship passengers over the next 10 years. The port boasts modern high-tech facilities and allows for the docking of the world's largest cruise ships. It also has the capacity to handle at least two mega ships concurrently.
On completion, the components of this state-of-the-art facility will include a terminal building to house customs, immigration, and port security. Other areas will include restaurant services, retail shops as well as a transportation centre. Subsequent phases will include on-site attractions, hotel and residential developments.
business@gleanerjm.com
Published: Friday | December 30, 20110 Comments
Pullmantur's 'Horizon Valetta' seen here at the Falmouth Cruise Pier on March 30, 2011. - File
Steven Jackson, Business Reporter
Jamaica now ranks as the second fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean for the first time in at least five years, according to data analysed by the Financial Gleaner.
Its growth was only bettered by St Maarten among 20 regional nations, including Mexico. It resulted in 625,000 cruise arrivals to Jamaica over the first six months of 2011 or 13.9 per cent higher than year-earlier levels, according to data analysed from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association President Evelyn Smith said growth likely came at the expense of other islands. Specifically, Jamaica's growth far outpaces the projected growth for the region, she said. The World Tourism Organization, an agency of the United Nations, projected tourism arrival growth at five per cent for the Caribbean in 2011.
"You would have had to take market share from other islands," Smith said, explaining that tourism is driven by new attractions such as Falmouth Cruise Port. "So when you have something new, it would not be surprising that we would be taking calls from other islands."
The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), which has responsibility for the sector, did not respond to requests for comment.
Eight of the 20 territories recorded declines in cruise arrivals year to date, with Martinique and Dominica worst hit down 68 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively. Experts at the Dominica tourist authority were unavailable for comment up to press when contacted.
Falmouth pier boost
The growth in Jamaica's cruise arrivals coincided with its February launch of the multimillion-dollar Falmouth pier. This new growth trend puts Jamaica, which was previously one of the worst performers in the region, in reach of surpassing Puerto Rico's formidable arrivals this year and extending its lead over Barbados.
Over the last five years, Jamaica placed closer to the bottom of the region, ranking 12th last year, 19th in 2009, 16th in 2008, and 21st in 2007.
The Falmouth pier already accounts for the bulk of total cruise-passenger arrivals ahead of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Port Antonio. Ocho Rios previously held the record for cruise activity.
In its first nine months of operation, February to October, the Falmouth pier landed nearly 320,500 passengers and 117,000 crew visits, generating roughly US$27.9 million (J$2.4 billion) in passenger expenditure. Financial Gleaner estimates are based on the Annual Travel Statistics 2010 published by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which stated that "cruise passengers spent an average of US$87.35 per person per night".
The Falmouth pier accommodated its first cruise liner on February 17. The official opening and docking of the world's largest passenger vessel was realised in March; however, construction continues at the facility.
The pier was developed by PAJ in partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruise Limited (RCCL), whose investments were estimated at US$167 million and US$102 million, respectively.
In March, RCCL promised to flood the historic town of Falmouth with eight million cruise-ship passengers over the next 10 years. The port boasts modern high-tech facilities and allows for the docking of the world's largest cruise ships. It also has the capacity to handle at least two mega ships concurrently.
On completion, the components of this state-of-the-art facility will include a terminal building to house customs, immigration, and port security. Other areas will include restaurant services, retail shops as well as a transportation centre. Subsequent phases will include on-site attractions, hotel and residential developments.
business@gleanerjm.com
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