#Croisière
THE PORT OF QUÉBEC SHINES AS A DESTINATION FOR EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION IN 2019
12/06/2019
Quebec City, December 6, 2019 – The 2019 cruise ship season has come to a close and the Port of Québec and Québec City Tourism are sharing their year-end results, showing significant increases in embarkation and disembarkation operations. In 2019, the Port of Québec welcomed a total of 236,715 visitors. It was the port’s biggest year ever in terms of logistics, with over 22 embarkation and disembarkation operations.
2019 in numbers
Having welcomed over 230,000 visitors in 2018, the Port of Québec saw a considerable increase in 2019 with a year-end total of 236,715. These passengers and crew members arrived on 150 different ships, 22 of which included embarkation and disembarkation operations—an increase of more than 60% over 2018. The Port saw inaugural visits from nine ships: Fram, Zaandam, Scenic Eclipse, Le Champlain, Mein Schiff 1, Viking Sun, Riviera, Meraviglia, and Ocean Dream.
Proven logistical expertise
The 22 embarkation and disembarkation operations in 2019 posed significant logistical challenges. Unlike stopovers, where passengers disembark for a few hours and leave their luggage on board, embarkation and disembarkation means the end of one cruise and the start of another. These operations involve twice the number of passengers, plus their luggage.
“These results are a source of tremendous pride for the Québec Port Authority,” said Port of Québec president and CEO Mario Girard. “In addition to being named Porthole Cruise Magazine’s top destination in Canada/New England, Quebec City has also set itself apart as a port for embarkation and disembarkation as a result of its considerable logistic expertise. A number of key partners were instrumental in meeting these major logistical challenges.”
“At the end of 2019, a year that had more than its share of logistical challenges, it’s clear that the international cruise industry has put its trust in the Quebec City region,” said Benoît Pigeon, director of Québec City Tourism. “That’s why our many key partners are working hard to develop this highly promising industry, attract more cruise lines to Quebec City, and extend the tourist season throughout the year.”
The Port would like to thank all stakeholders for their contributions, including the City of Québec, whose Centre de coordination d’événements spéciaux (special events coordination centre) helped coordinate traffic and keep it flowing smoothly on high-volume days. We would also like to thank our partners involved in developing the cruise industry in Quebec City, including Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale, the Quebec City Chamber of Commerce, the Cruise the St. Lawrence Association, and Ministère du Tourisme.
Bolstering tourism in the region
The cruise industry has a big impact on tourism in the Quebec City region. According to a study conducted in April 2017 by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA), the economic impact of the industry is estimated at over $221 million for the province. The economic impact for Quebec City is estimated at $106 million, including $73 million in cruise line spending and $30 million in passenger spending.
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Source:
Marie-Andrée Blanchet
Public Relations and Events
Québec Port Authority
Tel.: 418-648-3640
[email protected]