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WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- Cruise tourism boosted revenues for destinations, ports and businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to an FCCA-commissioned study from Business Research and Economic Advisors.

BREA reported that FCCA-regional cruise tourism in 2011-2012 generated more than $1.9 billion in direct expenditures, 45,000 jobs and $728 million in employee wages among 21 destinations surveyed.

"This certainly is wonderful news, but it doesn't surprise me," said Michele Paige, FCCA president, during the 19th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association's Conference and Trade Show in Curacao. "FCCA members are known for seeing opportunities."

The new study analyzed spending by passengers, crew members and cruise lines.

Among BREA's findings:

• Cruise passengers (15.44 million) spent $1.48 billion in 21 participating destinations, with per passenger expenditures ranging from $185.40 in St Maarten to $27.10 in St Vincent and the Grenadines and averaging $95.92. An average of 52 percent of passengers bought shore excursions, generating $270 million in total payments to tour operators. Other notable purchases include watches and jewelry ($583 million); clothing ($158 million); food and beverage ($106.5 million) and local crafts and souvenirs ($87 million).

• Crew members (2.7 million) spent over $261 million in the 21 destinations, with per crew expenditures ranging from $138.30 in the US Virgin Islands and $21.40 in St Vincent and the Grenadines and averaging $96.98.

• Cruise lines spent an estimated $246.9 million in participating destinations for port fees and taxes, utilities, navigation services and ship supplies.

"These expenditures have a direct impact on local employment and wages," Andrew Moody, principal of Business Research and Economic Advisors, said. "Local businesses ... create additional jobs and income."

BREA-surveyed destinations included Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Colombia; Costa Rica; Curacao; Dominica; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Honduras; Nicaragua; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St Kitts & Nevis; St Maarten; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Turks and Caicos; and the US Virgin Islands.

Paige noted that polled passengers' experience showed a strong indication that they are likely to cruise again in the region and spend money. Passengers told BREA that they were "very satisfied" with:

• Overall destination visit
• Shore excursions
• Friendliness of residents and courtesy of employees
• Initial shoreside welcome
• Historic sites/museums
• Local transportation

"Establishing relationships among member lines and the public and private sectors of partner destinations was the reason we founded the FCCA," Paige said. "Never has it been more important for cruise and travel partners to link arms and share ideas. That's the spirit behind the conference we're attending here in Curacao."

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