Homeport Study Awarded to Dillon Consulting

May 7, 2013

Saint John (NB) - Port Saint John is celebrating 25 years in the cruise business. Now, they’re looking to the future.

The Department of Tourism for New Brunswick and Port Saint John are partnering on a feasibility study to examine the possibility of making Saint John a homeport for cruise ships.

Potentially, Saint John could become the beginning and end of a passenger’s cruise journey.

“Saint John is the urban center point to the natural attractions of our world-class Bay of Fundy. Having an established cruise industry here at the Port, and both air and hotel options located in this city, makes taking the cruise offering here to the next level a logical progression,” noted Hon. Trevor Holder, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. “As the study moves forward, we are excited to learn both the outcome and how we can all move the project forward together.”

The Department of Tourism is funding the study. Port Saint John took the lead on the project, sending out a request for proposals earlier this year. Dillon Consulting, a Canadian firm, was selected with their $49,500 proposal.

Dillon will bring in expertise from their offices across Canada, specifically John Spalding of Vancouver.

“I can’t think of a better announcement to kick off our 25^thanniversary year. Homeport status could be huge for the tourism industry in Saint John and the province overall. Visitors coming here would be travelling in by air, staying in hotels, shopping and exploring the area. It’s another opportunity to showcase this province and boost revenue in the community,” stated Jim Quinn, President & CEO of Port Saint John.

The cruise industry is a major source of revenue and cultural vitality for New Brunswick. Cruise passengers, crew members and lines have a $30 million economic impact on the region.

Media Contacts

Paula Small, Manager of Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Port Saint John

C: (506) 650-5288 E: psmall@sjport.com

Jane Matthews-Clark, communications, Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture T: (506) 444-4454.