Image by Flickr user cseeman

As expected, following up in a similar vein to news that the Queen Victoria would not come to Charleston, a recently published report emphasizes the importance of cruise ships on the local hotel economy.

An analysis of data from 164 hotels in the Charleston region showed that cruise ship visits increase hotel occupancy and raises rates, generating some 1,158 room nights and more than $108,000 in additional room revenue every time a ship begins and ends a cruise in Charleston.

Some cruise guests choose to add a day or more to their cruise to stay in Charleston and visit local attractions. Previous surveys have also addressed how cruise ship visitors' spending and visitation trends include visits to area islands, plantations, and other destinations.

You can read the 12-page report here.

On the matter that the Queen Victoria would not come to Charleston due to slow customs lines, The Post and Courier reports that local number gurus say the change of plans will cost the Charleston economy $250,000 to $300,000 dollars.