Tag Archives: Cruise port

PortMiami Reports Increased Economic Impact in 2023

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PortMiami’s annual economic impact has grown to $61.4 billion, up from $41.4 billion in 2016, according to a study conducted by Martin Associates, according to a press release.

The study measured PortMiami’s impact in terms of jobs, business revenue, consumer spending and state and local taxes. PortMiami has contributed $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to port users. Additionally, 340,078 jobs are supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

“PortMiami is not only one of Miami-Dade County’s most important economic engines, its economic impact is also felt regionally and globally,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This report confirms the seaport’s vital role in supporting good-paying local jobs and contributing to the growth of our community, in addition to our commitment to resilience and reducing our carbon footprint with shore power and our net zero plan.” 

Highlights of the 2023 study:

  • $61.4 billion in total economic activity, which accounts for 3.9 per cent of the $1.6 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state of Florida.
  • $2.2 billion in state and local taxes, of which $1.6 billion is attributed to Port users.
  • 340,078 jobs supported by port activity, including 29,423 direct local jobs.

The economic impact analysis was based on data obtained through interviews and telephone survey programs of the seaport’s tenants and the companies providing cruise and cargo services at PortMiami. In addition, a survey of cruise passengers and crew was conducted to develop passenger spending profiles pre- and post-cruise as well as the spending characteristics of the crew during each port call at Miami. 

“The seaport continues to play a critical role in the economic vitality of our region. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that PortMiami remains a world-class cruise and cargo port,” said Hydi Webb, director and CEO, of PortMiami. “I want to thank all the seaport’s partners for their unrelenting support. Our continued growth and success are a result of strong collaborations.” 

Antigua Cruise Port Expects to Welcome Over 600,000 Passengers

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Antigua Cruise Port expects 182,120 passengers to visit between October and December 2022, for a total of 616,419 passengers by the end of its peak cruise season in 2022-23, according to a press release.

The rest of the season is expected to reach new heights, with January 2023 set to be the busiest month, with 79 calls and 135,810 passengers, according to the port.

“In comparison to the modest summer months of 2022, May – September 2023 will see a total of 18 cruise ship calls depicting the growth and development of Antigua’s cruise industry,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, general manager, of Antigua Cruise Port.

n addition, the port will engage in homeporting operations beginning with Star Clipper of Royal Clipper Cruises in December 2022 and continuing with the P&O Arvia.

Each Arvia homeporting operation is expected to accommodate approximately 800 passengers, providing the twin-island nation with a consistent business for all sectors relevant to the industry such as taxi drivers, hotel workers, shipping agents, and restaurants.

Arvia’s homeporting operations are expected to resume again in November 2023, along with the start of Emerald Cruises’ full weekly operations.

Prior to that, the port anticipates five-ship days in December 2022 and January 2023, as well as a ship-ship day in January. In February 2023, seven ships are expected to dock on the same day.

The port is currently providing free security training to all port users, including taxi drivers, vendors, tour guides, security officers, restauranteurs, and retailers.

“We continue to invest in the success of the port community and industry stakeholders. We believe in authentic, open dialogue, and see it as our duty to assist everyone; from our colleagues to our tenants, to port community members to achieve success,” added Regis-Prosper.

Barbados Drops all COVID-19 Protocols for Entry

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The Barbados government has announced changes to the island’s travel entry protocols.

Effective midnight, Thursday, September 22, 2022, Barbados discontinued all COVID-19-related travel protocols. Therefore, according to a statement, there will be no testing requirements to enter Barbados whether travellers are vaccinated or unvaccinated. 

In addition, the wearing of masks generally will now be optional. Mask wearing only remains mandatory for persons working in and visiting healthcare facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and senior citizen’s homes; persons travelling on public transportation; and for persons who are COVID-19 positive.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Sen. The Hon. Lisa Cummins stated, “This is the last step for us which reflects our position as fully open for business following the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to our shores to experience all of the new and returning events slated for the rest of the year, and into early 2023,” she said.