PortEconomics member Michael Dooms along with Mitchell van Ballen and PortEconomics associate member Elvira Haezendonck, presented their latest research on the economic impact of river tourism on ports: the case of Brussels, during the annual conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists – IAME 2012, that was held in Taipei, Taiwan.
River cruises and events on inland ships have been enjoying a growing popularity. The economic benefits that emerge from these forms of river tourism, through the expenditures of passengers, crew and operators, are largely flowing to the ports, cities, and regions where the ships moor. Whilst research exists on the economic impacts of sea cruises, the literature on river cruise and event tourism is non-existent and so are the insights into the related economic impacts. Understanding the economic impacts of river tourism may however develop its potential and legitimize investments in these activities by ports, governments and private actors. This study therefore presents a methodology to assess the direct and indirect socio-economic impacts of river tourism on a port region in terms of added value, generated employment, port revenues, and fiscal impact. This methodology illustrated by applying it to the Port of Brussels (Belgium). By using literature study and desk research, interviews with a diverse set of stakeholders and a content analysis of port documents, four growth scenarios are developed. These scenarios show that river tourism in Brussels has a potential to create between 38 and 112 jobs, and fiscal impacts ranging between €2.8 and €5.4 million. We conclude by assessing how the proposed methodology can be used for other ports.
You might read – and freely download – the full study @PortEconomics.
The annual conference of the International Association of Marime Economists – IAME 2012, held in Taipei, Taiwan, provided the PortEconomics team the opportunity to present 16 different port or port related studies that progressed over the course of the most resent months – read more & reach the studies: PortEconomics team@IAME2012.
