Federal funding to help market Atlantic Canada’s growing cruise ship industry

The past couple of decades has seen the rise of the cruise ship industry in Atlantic Canada.

Now, the federal government is kicking in additional cash to help the industry grow in the region — earmarking $329,000 for marketing.

READ MORE: Saint John, N.B., expects 19 per cent increase in cruise ship passengers in 2018

The funds come from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and will be shared between the Atlantic provinces.

Catherine McGrail, vice president of the Port of Halifax, says the money will be put to good use.

“We really need to work hard to make sure that when passengers are choosing a destination they think of us, and so it’s a very important contribution to helping us make our dollars work by partnering with us,” she said.

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1:57 Time-lapse video captures massive cargo ship maneuvering into Halifax Harbour

McGrail adds the key to stretching their marketing dollars in a global industry is partnerships.

“We are always looking to leverage that with what we call joint marketing opportunities with cruise lines, travel agencies and other industry partners.”

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Meanwhile, in 2017, 700,000 passengers visited Atlantic Canadian ports.

That number is expected to grow to 800,000 in 2018.