The Marine Tourism Model
Communities can hardly be unaware of the rapid expansion experienced by the world - wide cruise industry and the vast size of the “Blue Water Fleet”, whose vessels home-port in Miami, Europe and Alaska.

Cruising has become a major segment in the tourism industry and the impact it has on economic development is formidable. It takes careful long-range planning for tourism communities to take full advantage of the cruise industry – to benefit both port cities and nearby attractions. This economic footprint can be quite considerable and in-depth planning is essential for a successful outcome.

The cruise industry was not always as robust as it currently is. Cruising was once the pervue of the wealthy and the “connected”. In many regions it was a means of moving between one region and another – a transportation medium rather than a pure vacation segment. Nowadays the cruise industry caters to several broad segments of the tourism demographic. It has segmented into cruises which appeal to a younger clientele - cruises for mature travelers - cruises which explore off the beaten track regions and mainstream cruising where the vessels resemble a floating resort and where the ship itself is the destination. Small-ship cruising has now emerged as a strong and growing segment, where enthusiasts seek a more personalized and intimate cruise experience on vessels carrying as few as 18 to 100 guests.

Amateurs built the Ark -
The Titanic was built by professionals

Burnett Thorne can help formulate your plans to embrace this dynamic industry. We can lead you through the business modelling process, which will address both the marine and tourism segments and how to prepare your community to interface with this industry. The marine side of the cruise industry has it’s own dynamic and its own economic footprint, which is distinct from the tourism side of the business. When combined, these make for a healthy addition to your regional tourism mix and a valuable addition to the vision of your community.