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Money expected to stay on cruise ships Tourists less likely to spend as much in communities as they used to
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, July 1, 2013
NUNAVUT
Despite seeing an increase in cruise ship visits this summer, northern Baffin Island communities will not likely reap any significant economic benefits, said a community economic development officer in one of the coastal communities.
Eight ships will be making 37 stops in 12 High Arctic communities including Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Grise Fiord this summer. But tourists aren't as quick to whip out their wallets as they used to be, said Colin Saunders, Pond Inlet's community economic development officer. Only six ships visited last year.
"Since the economic downturn a few years ago, there has been a noticeable decrease in the amount of money individuals spend in our community, especially on arts and crafts," said Saunders.
"The amount spent varies from ship to ship, from company to company. Some ships pay the landing fee while others don't."
Tourists who do visit Pond Inlet will typically stay for six to eight hours but disembarkment is contingent on tides, the weather and the cruise schedule.
Fifteen years ago it wasn't uncommon to see wealthy American tourists spend upwards of $40,000 in a few hours, Saunders said.
"Those days haven't happened in quite a while," he said. "A lot of people that we see have retired and they saved a lot to go on these cruise ships."
Last year, passengers on a privately-owned ship, The World, spent the most money in the community.
However, Pond Inlet stands to gain more economically than any other Nunavut community because six different ships will be making 12 stops over the summer, between July 22 and Sept. 1.
Saunders said the hamlet tries to make as many activities and services available to the visiting guests, but not everyone takes advantage of them.
"We have performances, cultural presentations, local guides for those who are interested and we try to accommodate as much as possible," Saunders said.
"We do the best we can with what we have up here. If they leave here more enlightened than when they arrived, with a better understanding of life up here, then we know the community did a good job."
Saqiqtaq Temela, senior administrative officer in Kimmirut, said the visits to his community benefit both tourists and local residents.
"It's a positive thing to have them come and visit us," he said. "They can see our beautiful land and our local artisans have the opportunity to display their artwork."
Martine Dupont, manager of tourist development for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, said four new ships are coming to Nunavut for the first time: Le Soleal, the MV Bremen, the National Geographic Explorer and the Silver Explorer.
"Also, we're getting a luxury cruise ship (the Silver Explorer) for the first time this year," she said.
"They contacted us a year in advance and they're thrilled to come to Nunavut for the first time."
Dupont said cruise ships used to visit mostly southern Arctic communities such as Pangnirtung, Iqaluit and Kimmirut in the past, but are starting to make more High Arctic stops now.
"We're seeing an increase in stops along the Northwest Passage," she said.
"It brings potential economic benefits to those communities. The summer schedule is subject to change, though, as there are always more ships that may decide to go through the licensing process and come to Nunavut."
The purpose of sharing the tentative schedule ahead of time is to help communities prepare for the ships' visits, and to know when to expect them, she added.
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