New study shows that cruises boost hotel revenue in Charleston region

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New study shows that cruises boost hotel revenue in Charleston region
November 2, 2011
The Republic

Charleston, S.C. — A new study shows hundreds of additional hotel rooms are sold and tens of thousands of dollars in additional lodging revenue is generated every time a cruise ship arrives in or leaves from Charleston.

The study was commissioned by the South Carolina State Ports Authority. It indicates that over three years, cruises added $13 million to the economy of the Charleston area.

The study by College of Charleston researcher John Crotts and marketing consultant Michael Wolfe looked at hotel occupancy from 2009 through this fall. They concluded each time a cruise ship arrives or leaves Charleston it generates more than $108,000 in additional lodging revenue.

Charleston's cruise industry has been the focus of controversy recently with opponents suing in court, saying the ships damage Charleston's historic character.