SLSDC 01-04
Contact: Tim Downey
Tel: (202) 366-0091
Monday, March 15, 2004

St. Lawrence Seaway Participates In Seatrade Annual Convention

More tourist dollars could soon be flowing to the regions surrounding the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway if a binational U.S.-Canadian marketing delegation achieves its goal of bringing more cruise line traffic to the system. The delegation, led by Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) Administrator Albert S. Jacquez and Great Lakes Cruising Coalition (GLCC) Chairman Steven Olinek, is traveling to Miami March 16-18 to market the system’s unique cruising opportunities at America’s top cruise marketing venue—Seatrade.

“Cruise industry professionals are increasingly interested in discovering new destinations for clients that offer scenic beauty and diversity, exciting activities, and historical and cultural events,” said Administrator Jacquez. “Our System offers experienced and novice cruising clients a wealth of options and itineraries that permit them to discover unforgettable marine and shore vistas in a relaxed environment.”

Olinek noted that more and more customers who have previously tried cruises to traditional destinations are opting for new maritime vistas, and that leads increasingly towards exploring the world’s largest body of fresh water located close to home: the Great Lakes and its 10,000-mile coast line.

“Seatrade presents us with an important opportunity to showcase the Great Lakes to a relatively untapped international market,” said Olinek.

The Great Lakes Seaway System has more than doubled berths in the past five years and posted a two-thirds increase in the number of cruise vessels plying its waters. An example of recent additions is the newly built ORION, a 337-foot luxury German vessel accommodating 106 passengers.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System representation at the convention underscores the commitment by the SLSDC, its Canadian counterpart organization, the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, and the GLCC headquartered in Toronto to aggressively promote the Seaway and North America’s Great Lakes to cruise agents. The GLCC was formed in 1997 to assist port cities on the Great Lakes to gain a share of the growing world-wide passenger cruise market. It has over 26 members representing large commercial ports as well as smaller historic harbors on both sides of the border.

Briefing Room