Downtown Vancouver BIA expects 2024 cruise season to be ‘extremely impactful’
Posted March 11, 2024 1:08 pm.
Last Updated March 11, 2024 8:11 pm.
With the first cruise ship arriving in Vancouver Monday, local businesses are gearing up for another record-breaking season.
Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association President and CEO Jane Talbot says the impact cruise ships have on the local economy can’t be underestimated.
“We’re expecting I think 329 cruise ships that are scheduled between now and Oct. 29. That means about 1.27 million passengers will travel through Canada Place and we know that they’ll spend money when they’re here, which is great,” she explained Monday.
“I think each ship brings in about $3 million per ship, which is about $987 million this season right into our local economy.”
The Disney Wonder docked into the west berth of Canada Place on March 11. Early estimates by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority suggest the terminal will see about a two per cent increase from last season in the number of passengers coming through the city.
While Talbot admits cruise ship passengers won’t solve all the problems businesses are facing, they will help.
“It’s important every year, and it’s really important now as we continue to come out of the pandemic and gain momentum,” she explained.
“It’s very important particularly with our restaurant industry, our retail industry … and our small business industry. They’re dependent on this,” Talbot continued, adding, “It’s going to be extremely impactful.”
“I’m not sure that it’s going to be enough to solve all of the issues that the restaurant industry is currently facing, but it’s certainly going to be a much-needed boost to their economy.”
Talbot says she hears from businesses who say the first cruise ship of the season “is such a sign of hope.”
“We’re all just really looking forward to welcoming passengers from around the world for another record-breaking year. Their contribution to the local economy is invaluable and we really do hope to see them out and about enjoying our city this summer,” she said.
The Disney Wonder is repositioning Monday, stopping in Vancouver and then San Diego, California, before coming back in May to start its regular Alaska run.
The next ship of the 2024 season will be the Norwegian Bliss arriving overnight on April 4.
-With files from Charlie Carey
