Surveys show that business activity at Port Canaveral picked up in 2012, generating $2 billion and 17,000 jobs for the local community, up 73 percent in business revenue since the last economic impact analysis three years ago. Industry consulting firm Martin Associates of Lancaster, Pa., was commissioned to analyze cruise, cargo, real estate and marina activity at Port Canaveral. The survey of 294 tenants and service providers found that Port Canaveral business activities generated an increase of 30-percent job growth, personal income of $808 million and $248 million in local purchases. State and local taxes paid totaled $74.3 million.
In Earth-Day related news, Holland America Line and Seabourn renewed their partnership with the Marine Conservation Institute to educate guests and staff on the conservation of marine ecosystems. The partnership with the Washington State–based organization began in 2010 with the “Our Marvelous Oceans” program, and will continue with the signing of a new three-year agreement that runs through 2016.
Both CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. will be holding their 2013 annual conference aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, departing from New York on Sept. 29 and sailing to Bermuda. This year’s conference theme will be "Collaboration, Passion and Innovation,"and the week-long cruise will dedicate three days at sea to personal and professional development. Seminars and networking events will provide forums for agents to get to know each other and share best practices. In addition, leaders from companies such as Google, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Funjet Vacations will lead general session presentations.