Windsor's port authority thinks the region has the potential to attract cruise ships.
The ability to welcome cruise ships to Windsor-Essex can explode over the next few years, according to a report from the Cruise Ship Industry Group, of which the Windsor Port Authority is a partner.
Port Authority CEO David Cree presented a review of the group's findings to Windsor City Council last week. He said a business case to grow the regional cruising industry is in the works, and that Windsor-Essex can expand. He cited a benchmark study from 2015 when only a handful of smaller cruise ships included Windsor as a port-of-call.
"The gross revenue number was approximately $5-million, and that could grow to $25-million in the next decade," said Cree.
Six cruise ship lines currently have excursions on the Great Lakes, though these are on ships much smaller than the giant cruise lines seen in North American coastal ports. However, these cruises have been very profitable for operators, said Cree.
Cree said cruise ship operators had given Windsor-Essex high marks, making the region even more likely to become a destination.
"They look at Windsor as a very attractive location," said Cree. "It's a very easy dock approach, the city is very welcoming, lots of amenities in the area. So for that reason, we're actually one of the largest recipients of cruise ships on the Great Lakes at this point."
Cruise ships usually dock at Dieppe Gardens in the downtown area, within walking distance of bars and restaurants, as well as Caesars Windsor.
Cree said the business case could benefit Windsor's American neighbours as well. Visitors have taken advantage of Windsor-Essex's wineries and annual festivals, but the resurgence of downtown Detroit is also attractive to cruise ship operators. A docking facility, complete with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint, is already operational near the Renaissance Center.
The port authority has been working with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island as well as with the city's parks and recreation department on the initiative to boost cruise ship traffic.
The business case is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.