Cruise Baltic has announced its 2015 results in the Overview of Cruise Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, along with figures demonstrating visitor satisfaction. This analysis was commissioned by Cruise Baltic from external economic experts such as GP Wild (International) and Ltd and BREA (Business Research & Economic Advisors).
According to these data, cruise passengers spent €167 per visit at turnaround ports, which totaled €353 million, also including crew expenses.
Tourists spent 145 million Euros on excursions and transport, 41% of the total; 67.8 million Euros, 19%, on retail purchases.
Cruise companies spent approximately €355.8 million throughout the Baltic region. This means that total spending by tourists and cruise lines reached €708.6 million for the year, €20 million more than in 2013.
The transport sector and tourism and port operators had the greatest impact on total spending. €266 million, or 37%, was allocated to these areas, followed by the manufacturing sector with the second highest impact on direct spending at €138.8 million, or 20% of the total.
On the other hand, 92% of passengers acknowledged that their cruise had met or exceeded their expectations. On a scale of 1 to 5, the cruise received an average rating of 4.15. The friendliness of the staff and the historical visits or museums received the highest marks, with 81% of cruise passengers reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with these aspects. Tour guides received a rating of 4.06, with 75% of passengers approving of them.
Claus Bødker, director of Cruise Baltic, stated: “I am very pleased that this survey has demonstrated, once again, that the Baltic Sea region has one of the highest satisfaction scores globally. The results indicate that we are on the right track to achieving our goal of creating the best cruise experience in the world.”.
