Ireland has experienced "dramatic" growth in the cruise ship business, with a 96 per cent increase in passengers to Irish ports over the past decade.
The business was worth almost €66 million to five Irish ports last year, generating 484 full-time jobs, according to a report on the economic contribution of the sector. Cruise ships were also worth almost €32 million indirectly to the five ports, the study by the Centre for Policy Studies at University College, Cork (UCC) says.
Dublin is benefiting most among the host ports, with an overall economic spin-off amounting to €30.55 million last year. Cork earned almost €20 million from the sector in 2003, while Waterford earned €8.74 million , Belfast earned €5.61 million and Derry earned €1.21 million.
Overall figures include purchases of goods and services and sustainability of employment, based on research carried out during July, August and September of 2003. Last year, some 127 cruise ships visited the island of Ireland, carrying 76,931 passengers and 39,264 crew.
Cruise ships have been identified as the fastest-growing sector in the travel and leisure industry. The UCC study was commissioned by Cruise Ireland, a marketing co-operative established in 1994 to sell Ireland as a premier destination for cruise liners.
Since 1994, the number of cruise ship passengers visiting Irish ports has grown from 39,000 to nearly 77,000 - a 96 per cent increase. The number of ships has also doubled in less than a decade.
