BC cruise industry shows resiliency during 2010 season; growth expected in 2011

VANCOUVER, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ - British Columbia's cruise industry continued to provide significant economic benefits for the province in 2010, contributing $1.2 billion to the provincial economy and $43.3 million in business taxes. More than one million revenue passengers visited the Ports of Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Vancouver and Victoria this year, spending $149 million within the province. Cruise lines contributed an additional $320 million in spending.

"Ports in British Columbia are investing in the future growth of the cruise industry in this province," said Carmen Ortega, Chair of Cruise BC and Customer Relations Representative, Port Metro Vancouver. "There are four cruise-ready ports in BC offering a variety of enhanced experiences and upgraded facilities, showcasing the best of British Columbia and the Inside Passage."

According to Ortega, the result of the port-side investments is becoming apparent. "We are looking forward to growth during the 2011 season," she said. "In addition to enhanced customer programs and services, new cruise lines are entering this market next year, including Disney Cruise Lines, who will homeport the Disney Wonder in Vancouver for its family-friendly Alaska cruise itinerary."

Highlights of the 2010 cruise season, lasting from April to October, include:

    -   The Port of Nanaimo welcomed 6,800 passengers on six vessels in 2010.
        The newest development at the Port is the $22 million cruise ship
        facility, projected for completion by March, 2011. The floating
        cruise facility will have the ability to berth the largest ships
        currently operating on the West Coast of the Americas. "Coupled with
        new and enhanced attractions, we are working to make the experience
        of these cruise passengers a pleasant and exciting one," said Bernie
        Dumas, Nanaimo Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer.

    -   The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) hosted approximately 55,500
        passengers from 26 large and pocket cruise ship calls in 2010. The
        Port also honoured its 500,000th guest through the Port's Northland
        cruise terminal, opened in 2004. For 2010, PRPA built upon the
        success of the tour excursion program and worked with Prince Rupert
        stakeholders to enhance guest experiences in and around the city. "We
        have a strong partnership with the cruise industry and have
        demonstrated the viability of Prince Rupert as an attractive and
        profitable cruise destination over the past five years," said PRPA
        Cruise Development Coordinator, Phil Westoby. "We should be well
        positioned to participate in the growth and expansion of the
        industry."

    -   Port Metro Vancouver welcomed more than 575,000 passengers on 177
        calls, 44 of which connected to shore power. This was the first full
        year of shore power operations for the Port, a milestone for their
        eco-friendly initiatives. Shore power allows ships to connect to the
        local electrical grid while turning off their diesel engines when in
        port. Looking ahead to the 2011 cruise season, the Port expects
        renewed growth when the Disney Wonder and Oceania Cruises' Regatta
        will homeport in Vancouver, and Crystal Cruises' Crystal Symphony
        will make a return to Alaska with nine port calls in Vancouver.

    -   Victoria was once again Canada's leading port-of-call. This year,
        Ogden Point hosted approximately 441,000 passengers on 228 cruise
        ship calls and one pocket cruise ship call. Ship Point hosted two
        pocket cruise ship calls this year with 175 passengers. The total
        estimated economic impact for Victoria is $150 million. "Many
        industries benefit from the local cruise business," said Sonterra
        Ross, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Greater Victoria Harbour
        Authority. "The passenger spending is well-distributed among small
        businesses, whether it's independently owned limo drivers, artisans
        in the inner harbour, or gift shop operators."

BC is an integral part of the Alaska and Pacific Coastal cruise experience. This season, 28 cruises featured multiple BC ports of call, with three premier cruise lines calling at nearly all of BC's cruise-ready ports. This added a unique tourism opportunity that is not typically available on the majority of itineraries.

Formed in 2002, Cruise BC Association is a partnership between BC ports, Destination Marketing Organizations, Western Economic Diversification Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Investment. Working together and collaboratively with cruise lines, Cruise BC has been successful in developing the tremendous potential that exists to make Canada's Inside Passage and BC cruise ports world class destinations.

SOURCE Cruise BC