Measuring the Economic and Social Contribution of Cruise Tourism Development to Coastal Tourist Destinations

Abstract

Purpose: The main aim of this study is to identify the groups of indicators that can be applied to estimate the economic contribution of cruise ship tourism to the coastal tourist destinations. The research questions are as follows: 1) What are the areas where studies on the cruise ship tourism market in the world are conducted? 2) What entities on the cruising market are engaged in conducting such studies? 3) What entities are the beneficiaries of studies on the cruising market? 4) What type of quantitative and qualitative indicators are used in analysing the economic impact of the cruising market on social and economic development of coastal regions? 5) What groups of indicators used in studies on the cruising market may be interesting for the beneficiaries of these studies? Design/Methodology/Approach: The methods applied are literature review, exploration method of data, desk research method and comparative analysis. A model of a set of indicators dedicated to specific entities operating on cruise ship market and the list of quantitative and qualitative indicators, social subjective indicators, and indicators of interdependence is used. Findings: The analysis of reports regarding cruising market studies conducted in various regions worldwide proves that studies are performed based on various methodologies, at random, without any standardized research model, and therefore, it is difficult to conduct comparative analysis and assess the phenomena in a temporal perspective (dynamic analysis). The results indicate the wide scope of indicators that can be grouped in packages dedicated to individual entities involved in cruise ship market. Practical Implications: The modelling concept of the proposed economic indicators can be used in any configuration by the authorities of seaports, cruise ship-owners, suppliers of goods/services and local governments. Originality/Value: Traditional methodology of assessment of economic and social contribution of cruise market to the local and national economy refers to three basic measures, i.e., direct, indirect and induced impact. The study offers an in-depth insight into modelling of groups of indicators adopted to various entities.