The island of Cozumel, known for its paradisaical beaches and tourist attractions, has found a significant economic boost thanks to cruise ship crews.
These workers, unlike tourists, look for cheaper and more traditional options during their rest time, benefiting small local businesses.
A clear example is the “Icon of the Seas”, whose 90% of its more than 4,800 passengers prefer recreational activities outside the center, while 60% of its 2,533 crew choose to consume in local markets and small restaurants.
These workers not only buy food but also purchase products and use services such as taxis, which generates a significant economic impact in the area.
According to the Comprehensive Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), from September 16 to 22, 19 cruise ships are expected to arrive, with crews ranging between 1,000 and 2,500 people each.
This constant flow of visitors has led local businesses to adapt their offers, even with the opening of restaurants specializing in Asian food, due to the high demand for crew members from the Philippines.
Josh Mayoral, a member of the “Icon of the Seas” crew, highlighted that crew members usually spend between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos per visit since they find more affordable prices in Cozumel compared to other destinations such as Nassau.
This has allowed local businesses to generate up to 2.27 million pesos per cruise ship visit, demonstrating the relevance of crew members for the island.
The positive impact of these workers has caused more and more businesses to adapt their products and services to meet the needs of this growing market, thus providing a direct benefit to the local economy.
TYT Newsroom
