Cruise Industry Infuses $600K into Duluth Economy

In 2023, four cruise ships brought over 4,000 passengers to Duluth, contributing nearly $600,000 in direct spending to the city. The influx of visitors had a significant economic impact on the city, supporting a variety of businesses including shops, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators and small businesses.

The increase in passengers was more than 20% from the previous year with nearly 25,000 passengers making over 800 visits to Great Lakes ports. Dan Hartman, Executive Director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center expressed his enthusiasm about the influx of visitors noting that many of them would not have come to Duluth otherwise and have discovered the city’s appeal.

Anna Tanski, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting unique cruising experiences available in the region and emphasizing their growing popularity as a destination. Cruise the Great Lakes serves as a platform for various stakeholders such as states, provinces, cruise lines, ports, conventions, visitors bureaus and chambers of commerce to collaborate towards common goals.

For more information on Cruise the Great Lakes visit their website. To stay updated on Northern News Now download their app or sign up for their First Alert weather app. Copyright 2023 Northern News Now all rights reserved.