Helps Local Merchants

• As many as 6,000 passengers can disembark from a single cruise ship at popular Caribbean ports. These individuals typically purchase locally made products and pay for local services. That injection of money not only helps merchants but also the greater economy.
  
  

Generates Employment

• The influx of visitors generates employment for individuals in tourism and tourism-related sectors. For instance, a 2006 report indicated that the Caribbean cruise industry paid $600 million to Caribbean employees.
  
  

Tax Revenue

• Visitors to the Caribbean pay taxes on the products they purchase while vacationing. These taxes help fund local government projects.
  
  

Revenue From Fees

• Exit fees are charged by many islands; visitors pay these fees when leaving the country. Docking cruise ships also pay ship, port and berth fees. These monies go directly to the government of the country and are used to advance the economy.