Sunshine Matters

During the Cruise Lines International Association’s Leadership Forum, held yesterday at the InterContinental Hotel in Miami, Assistant Secretary Rich Biter with the Florida Department of Transportation released a new report offering a statewide perspective on the Florida cruise industry.  The presentation focused on the importance of the cruise industry to the present and future economic prosperity of Florida, as well as on the policy changes and updates that will ensure Florida maintains and expands on its status as the dominant player in this industry nationwide.

The report gathered information from each of Florida’s cruise ports, several major cruise lines and the Security and Operations Committee of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association.  The study team’s findings showed that Florida’s cruise industry future is bright, but only if appropriate investments are made and certain policy changes take place at the federal and state levels.  Some of the state-level implementation actions called for include:  a more competitive pilot cost structure, incentive programs to encourage longer pre- and post-cruise stays, additional investment in cruise port infrastructure, and better linking of cruise port and airport facilities.

Christine Duffy, VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors member and President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said, “As this report highlights, Florida and the cruise industry share a unique relationship in furthering the state’s economic development and prosperity. The cruise industry is proud of the contributions it makes to Florida and we look forward to continuing to work with the state and numerous local stakeholders to advance mutually beneficial and sustainable growth.”

To learn more, check out the Florida’s Cruise Industry: A Statewide Perspective and the FDOT Press Release on yesterday’s report announcement.