Free Press cites economic impact study in report about cruise ships in Rockland
The Free Press cited a 2016 study conducted by the University of Maine School of Economics in the article, “Rockland ponders the cruise ship question.” While no economic impact studies have been done specifically in the midcoast region, the UMaine survey found that respondents spent an average of $108 each during land excursions in Maine. Over 96 percent of the respondents said they visited at least one store, restaurant or bar. The survey found that cruise ship passengers are highly educated and affluent and most are 50 years of age and older. The town of Bar Harbor also collected $686,472 in passenger fees last year, the article states.