The Economic Impact of Hawaii’s Cruise Industry

Authors: Pratt, S. and Blake, A.

Journal: Tourism Analysis

Volume: 12

Pages: 337-351

ISSN: 1083-5423

DOI: 10.3727/108354209789704977

Abstract:

The cruise industry worldwide has increased rapidly since the beginning of the millennium. Hawaii is no exception to this. Since the 1970s, cruise ships periodically visited the Hawaiian Islands, yet overnight cruising among the islands was rare. From 2001 to 2004, cruise ships sailing to and around Hawaii were solely foreign-flagged ships, including those home based in Hawaii. This meant much of the tourism revenue and taxes did not accrue to the local economy. Since July 2004, in addition to the foreign-flagged ships, a U.S.-flagged ship has been home-ported in the islands, paying Hawaii taxes and hiring U.S. crews with two more U.S.-flagged ships being added to the fleet in 2005 and 2006. This article uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to estimate the economywide economic impact of the cruise industry on the state of Hawaii. Using the 2002 intercounty input-output table as a benchmark, the multiregion CGE model takes the direct expenditure estimates of cruise passengers, expenditure by cruise crews, and the direct expenditures by the cruise lines, as computed by the State of Hawaii and uses these direct impacts as simulations in the CGE model. Gross value added and welfare are calculated for each county and the state as a whole. Some regions benefit more than others.

http://www.cognizantcommunication.com/filecabinet/Tourism_Analysis/ta.htm

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Adam Blake