Economic Impact of Cruise Ships Passengers in Portland, Maine

This report examines the demographic characteristics and economic impact of cruise ship passengers in Portland, Maine, and its surrounding region. In 2008, the city hosted an estimated 47,841 passengers from 32 ships. Information collected from surveys distributed during the fall of 2008 suggests that cruise ship passengers spend an average of $80.51 on goods and services in the Portland region. This amount increases to $109.68 with the inclusion of passenger expenditures on cruise-line sponsored tours. The total economic impact of cruise ship passenger spending, including multiplier effects, is between $5.8 million and $8.0 million in sales revenue throughout the Portland region. Economic activity associated with this spending supported between 69 and 96 full- and part-time jobs, and provided between $2.0 million and $3.2 million in wages and salaries