The fall season has traditionally been a busy time for tourism vendors in Saint John, as cruise ships pull into port each day, but the outlook for next year isn’t so rosy.
Ross Jefferson, the executive director of Discover Saint John, says although cruise numbers will be down in 2014, he expects the city’s diverse economy will make up for the loss.
“Cruise represents only 10 per cent of our overall visitation,” says Jefferson. “We’re seeing increases in other segments. We’re seeing decreases in others, but we’re optimistic for next year.”
However, vendors who depend on cruise ship passengers to support their business aren’t feeling so optimistic.
“I’ve heard Carnival is going to be cutting their cruise ships in half, so apparently it will be half the cruise ships in and half the size of the cruise ships,” says market vendor Tammy Campbell.
“It will affect us next year so I’m hoping the city will drum up some kind of alternative cruise ships to come into Saint John.”
Some vendors are even starting to look at other venues where they may be able to sell their products.
“Moncton, St. Andrews, there is a Queen Square Market also in Saint John on Sundays, so we have been looking at alternative type markets in the future for next year,” says Campbell.
“I know in Halifax they have as many ships or more,” says market vendor Gary Kingsley. “That’s been an option. I know we could make a go of it there, but I love Saint John though, and if I could at all, I’d like to keep doing it here.”
“We’ll look at others,” says market vendor Ken Lavigne. “We haven’t looked at St. Andrews yet but we’ll keep it in mind.”
Tourism officials say next season may just be a temporary dip in business. Projections for 2015 are up, but some vendors say they won’t be able to wait that long.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar
