Annual passenger growth projected to grow from 1.7 million to 4.6 million passengers in 2036
By State Rep. Todd Hunter
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas The Coastal Bend of Texas is an increasingly popular vacation choice for residents and tourists. And the Cruise Ship Industry offers a unique year-round vacation option with a huge economic impact for South Texas.
Population growth a strong consumer market as well as good air quality and roadway connections are projected to drive significant growth for the Texas cruise industry. It is projected that by 2036 the number of Texas cruise liner passengers will increase from 1.7 million annually to 4.6 million passengers annually.
To accommodate this potential growth Texas has an opportunity to develop and research locations for these cruise ships. Other locations would enable the industry to meet the growing demand provide easier access to ships and create openings for other markets.
With the construction of the new Harbor Bridge the Coastal Bend is positioned to help with Texass cruise liner traffic in the coming years. The new bridge will stand nearly 70 feet taller than the original and in conjunction with the deepening of Corpus Christis ship channel the Coastal Bend will be able to harbor larger ships such as cruise liners.
In addition to creating a new source of revenue for the Coastal Bend the cruise ships will act as a huge tourism booster.
The Coastal Bends economy thrives off of small local businesses and is home to numerous unique tourist destinations. Presently Texas Louisiana and Florida make up the Gulf/Caribbean Region of the cruise industry and 48 of cruise passengers reside in this region.
This is a very exciting opportunity for our quickly growing area as it will create new jobs and provide a significant source of new income for local businesses.
The USS Lexington the Art Museum of South Texas Port Aransas Nature Preserve Corpus Christi and Port Aransas Beaches and the Texas State Aquarium are all focal points of tourism for the state and would benefit greatly from the influx of tourism that a cruise ship destination provides.
Cruise ship passengers and crew members spend money at most if not all stops during a cruise. Homeport passengers typically spend $105 overnight passengers spend over $250 prior to embarkation and crew members spend around $30 prior to each embarkation. A weekly cruise ship with 3200 passengers produces around $100 million per year in a community and state.
- Further information on how the cruise ship industry affects the economy can be found by visiting Global News Wire.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. (Capitol Office 512-463-0672; District Office 361-949-4603).
And please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas State Agency or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services.
As always my offices are available at any time to assist with questions concerns or comments.
Texas State Representative Todd Hunter represents Texas House District 32 covering Aransas Calhoun Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov
