Cruise figures are up but spending is down. (FP)

by GERCINE CARTER

CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS are up, but passenger spending is down significantly.

CEO of Bridgetown Cruise Terminals Inc. Geoffrey Roach wants to see a reversal of this position, and is looking at ways to enhance “visitor experience” in Barbados.

Yesterday he told the DAILY NATION 21 cruise ships were expected to dock at the Bridgetown Port between December 6 and 31, bringing more than 30 000 passengers.

He also reported cruise passenger arrivals at 760 000 for the last financial year, while projecting a six percent growth in the next financial year.

But he said passengers were spending less as evidenced in a recent Florida Caribbean Cruise Association study which put the average spend per cruise passenger in Barbados at US$69, down from US$111 in 2006.

“We are looking at ways to enhance the experience specifically at the cruise terminal, but we also have to look at enhancing the Barbados experience” the CEO said.

While no cruise ships will be calling on Christmas Day, five are expected on Boxing Day and there is only one day in January with no cruise ship arivals.

With several ships expected in Barbados over the holidays, the Cruise Terminal has already boosted activity with performances by various choirs, a feature which Roach said was being favourably received by the visitors.

But he wanted to see Bridgetown stores and the island’s sight-seeing attractions opened on Sundays and bank holidays to accommodate the many cruise passengers who descend on the city.

“There are very few places open for cruise passengers to shop or sight-see on Sundays and bank holidays when thousands of visitors are in port. When we talk about the experience we have to consider what is the impact of things like this”.

According to reports from cruise lines, the Caribbean is still the number one destination for cruising and the Cruise Terminals Inc. CEO sees Barbados as one of the preferred destinations.

“The Barbados experience is key and we must work to enhance it,” he emphasised. (Nation News)