The Port of Seattle has been named “Port of the Year” for
2014, by the editors of German cruise industry publication Koehler’s Cruise
Guide, with the magazine citing the port’s environmental initiatives and cruise
customer experience as factors in the choice.
Koehler’s covers the international cruise industry for travel
agents and tourists in the European Union’s largest economy. The award was
announced Sept. 24 in Hamburg.
“The Port of Seattle is dedicated to continuous reductions
in maritime-related emissions,” the publication said of its choice. “Being a
pioneer in shore power for the cruise industry, the US gateway to Alaska offers
perfect logistics, as well as passenger friendly downtown locations.”
The Cruise Lines International Association recently
estimated that 1.7 million Germans will take an overnight cruise in 2013 – more
than any other European nationality.
“Germany is an increasingly important market for Seattle’s
cruise and tourism-related businesses,” Port of Seattle Commissioner John
Creighton said. “This recognition will drive home the message that we offer a
unique vacation experience even as we work to reduce our environmental
footprint.”
Seattle currently leads all West Coast cruise homeports in
passenger volume, generating more than 4,000 jobs, $381 million in annual
business revenue and $16.8 million annually in state and local tax revenues. Each
vessel call generates $2.1 million for the local economy, according to port
data.
