Cruise ships staying overnight good for P.E.I. business
'I would say the average daily spend is increased when they are overnighting here,' says Don Cudmore
The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island says its members are seeing the benefits of having cruise ships stay overnight in Charlottetown.
This summer, smaller cruise ships stayed overnight which allowed passengers to take in evening activities or take longer excursions around P.E.I.
TIAPEI's executive director says the overnight stays are having a positive impact for retailers.
"Not only in the Charlottetown area but cruise ship passengers tend to take some additional trips out around P.E.I. to some of our hot spots I guess you would call it," said Don Cudmore.
"Sometimes they'll take let's say a side trip the day they get in or the morning before they leave. So it has had a positive impact."
Cudmore said it gives passengers the opportunity to spend a little more time on P.E.I.
"I would say the average daily spend is increased when they are overnighting here."
Three cruise ships coming into port this fall will be staying overnight.
The cruise ship season in Charlottetown finishes on October 25.