A record number of cruise ships are expected to dock at Astoria in 2013. Seaside and Cannon Beach merchants are hopeful many of those passengers spend money at local businesses in the two cities.
Doug Barker, events coordinator with the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, said most of the passengers on the cruise ships that dock at Astoria are high-end clients.
“This year we had 12 cruise ships come to Astoria,” he said. “In 2013 we expect to have 22. That’s exceptional. It will be the most we have ever had. Obviously someone is listening.”
Cruise Lines International Association reports from last year show passengers spent an average of $97 per port of call. Port of Astoria Marketing Director Bruce Conner estimates the value of cruise ship passengers to Clatsop County this year at $16 million. He said the Oregon draw is that the state doesn’t have a sales tax.