Vancouver Welcomes Back the Cruise Ships
The Vancouver tourism industry is set to receive a major boost in April when the cruise ships return to Canada Place. The first boat to come into port is the Caribbean Princess. The ship will dock at 07:30 on April 7th, bringing 3,700 guests to the city. It is estimated that a total of 28 cruise lines will dock in the Vancouver Cruise Ship Terminal in 2022.
The cruise industry has been on hiatus since the early days of the COVID pandemic in March 2020. A federal mandate has been in place since February 4th 2021, restricting all non-essential marine travel to 500 passengers. The mandate will be lifted in April, allowing for the return of the ships.
During the pandemic, Canada Place has been used as a major centre for administering COVID-19 vaccinations. It is currently being used to offer booster (third jab) shots for the people of Metro Vancouver. The metro area currently holds a 85% full-dose vaccine rate.
“As Canadians have done their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, our government continues to work hard to safely restart our economy and build better. We will welcome cruise ships – an important part of our tourism sector – back in Canadian waters for the 2022 season.” -Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra
By April 2022, the site will return to its primary role as a world class convention centre and cruise port. New health and safety measures, such as touches check-in, will help minimize the potential for COVID exposure at the port.
Local Tourism Boost
The Vancouver Tourism Industry has been on life support since 2020. It is estimated that the return of the cruise ships will create 30,000 jobs in the city’s hospitality field. Pre-pandemic figures saw each ship generate $3.17 million in direct local economic activity with the provincial boost being $2.2 billion annually.
Small tour companies depend on the influx of travellers that the cruise lines provide. The opening of the cruise port is a first-step towards recovery for many local tour providers.
Brighter days and calmer waters are ahead.
