Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 21, 2018 (SKNIS): Cruise passenger spend in St. Kitts and Nevis has tremendously increased over the years, registering a growth of 77 percent from 2014/2015 to 2017/2018. Local taxi service and tour operators are certainly reaping the benefits.According to the BREA 2017/2018 Report – which measures the economic impact of the cruise tourism industry in 36 destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America – total passenger spend in St. Kitts and Nevis (2014/2015) was US $75.30 million compared with US $133.02 million (2017/2018).

The report states that, “During the 2017/2018 cruise year cruise tourism generated nearly $3.4 billion in direct expenditures, 79,000 jobs and $903 million in employee wages among the 36 destinations included in the study.”

The report adds, “In St. Kitts every US$1million in direct cruise tourism expenditures generated 14 jobs throughout the economy which paid an average annual wage of about US$8,500.”

The St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) interviewed two presidents of the three Taxi Associations in St. Kitts. Both stated that the cruise industry has undoubtedly created jobs for locals. As heads of the two Taxi Associations, they gave their feedback on how the 77 percent increase in passenger spend has benefited the taxi operators.

President of the St. Kitts Taxi Association, Calvin Leader said that the taxi service providers have definitely felt the increase in passenger spend.

David Brandy, President of the Liamuiga Taxi Association, shared the same sentiments, noting that there has been a “trickle-down effect” when it comes to all service providers in general.

“The ‘tourist spend’ spans across different areas. The tourist dollar is spent on tours where they get to experience the islands. On these tours, passengers purchase souvenirs. Most of them want to sample our beer and local drinks. As you know, Carib Beer is brewed and bottled here. Some want to go to the beach and spend some time there. Passengers also visit various restaurants to taste the local cuisine. So those are the areas in which the dollars are spent,” said Mr. Brandy.

The tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to grow exponentially in the upcoming years, said Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, noting that locals will always stand to benefit year after year, especially in the cruise industry.