Trinidad and Tobago records 46% increase in cruise arrivals this season

Trinidad and Tobago celebrated a highly successful 2023-2024 cruise season, which was marked by increases in passenger arrivals, tour participation, and economic impact. The season, which began on October 11, 2023, ended with the maiden voyage of the luxury vessel Island Sky on April 17, 2024. During this season, the island welcomed a total of 98 cruise calls of which 36 docked at Port of Spain, 61 at Scarborough and 11 at Charlotteville. The island received a total of 177,579 passengers which is an increase of 46% as compared to last year.The Ministry of Tourism said that these passengers spent a total of TTD $48,568,292 as they explored the island nation, giving a significant boost to the local economy.Also, of 98 cruise calls, 6 were inaugural calls, which were as follows:

• Seabourn Pursuit – 181 passengers 
• Jewel of the Seas – 2465 passengers
• MSC Seaside – 4234 passengers 
• Seven Seas Splendor – 703 passengers
• Silver Dawn – 566 passengers 
• Island Sky – 98 passengers

This season was very successful for the country as there was an increase in passenger arrivals and tour participation, which pushed the economy significantly. Around 30 visitor ambassadors were assigned to guide passengers during their stay on the island.It is to be noted that a total of 47, 939 individuals participated in organised tours which gave business to local taxi drivers and tour guides.[caption id="attachment_70651" align="aligncenter" width="100%"] Cruise passengers exploring the island nation (PC - Facebook)[/caption]Also, the passengers injected a total of USD$48,568,292 into the economy of Trinidad and Tobago. In Trinidad, the average spend per person was USD$48 while in Tobago it was USD$26. Meanwhile, the passengers spent a total of USD$8,149,630 on tours, with the average spend per person being USD$25. Also, 75% of the passengers said that they would recommend Trinidad to a friend or colleague, 95% said that they would love to come back to the island on another cruise, and 79% rated their destination experience in the island between nine and 10. This shows the island nation's unique offerings for the visitors.