Cruise survey highlights benefits to local economy

Orkney’s cruise ship industry generates almost £3.1m for the local economy each year, according to a recent survey.

The survey was carried out by the OIC last summer using ten ships docking in Kirkwall and Stromness –  2,511 passengers in total were surveyed and 659 crew members.

The survey revealed that 97 per cent of passengers felt that their visit met or exceeded their expectations and that each cruise passenger spends on average around £46 while ashore, with crews spending just over £8.30.

Across the 73 cruise ship visits in 2013, the total spend by passengers and crew, while ashore or on tours in the county, was reported at £2.25m and £61.6k respectively.