I have written before about the importance of tourism for the Cayman Islands, but I’d like to engage those who believe that cruise tourists are simply the unwashed masses seeking trinkets from souvenir shops.
Having spent 25 years serving these cruise guests, I can assure you that you are wrong. From the eastern to the western Caribbean, these cruise travellers have spent billions over the last 20 years. Every major Caribbean cruise port that services these guests has been made richer as a result.
Using St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands as an example, I can point to yearly revenue in the millions (one store) based solely on cruise ship passengers; 80% of those high-value items purchased were by cruise tourists.
Naturally, there are important considerations to be made for port infrastructure, the number of cruise ships feasible on any given day, the costs incurred socially and economically, etc. However, to condescend to these cruise guests as the ‘cap and tee’ crowd is unbelievably arrogant and untrue.
Cruise guests who enjoy their visit are likely to return as hotel guests. It’s disheartening to read comments about ‘this type’ of visitor. They may not be as wealthy as our hotel guests in high season, but does that make them less a guest to these islands? Are we not Caymankind to all? Are they not welcome for spending money to board a ship and visit these beautiful islands? Must you provide a financial statement before disembarking to see if you qualify to step foot on these shores?
Yes, hotel stays generate more dollars daily than cruise visitors, but the tourism product must be a diversified offering. Like any government portfolio, diversity is key to ensuring revenue growth when the marketplace presents challenges. The government and the people will decide how important the cruise business is to these islands, but it’s important to clarify that ALL visitors are our guests and not to denigrate or underestimate the spending power of anyone.
The right balance will ensure work for Caymanians, revenue for the government and revenue for Caymanian companies from ALL visitors who spend their time and money to grace us with a visit. Because if we don’t [welcome them], someone will.
Bob Nickoles
Related Videos
