BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Next week's arrival of the American Patriot will serve as a watershed moment for Buffalo's tourism and hospitality industry.
The Great Lakes cruiser and its 130-plus passengers will arrive at the Erie Basin Marina just after 8 p.m. on May 28 and it will remain berthed in downtown until May 30.
That translates to a huge economic impact for the region with passengers visiting attractions, eating at restaurants and shopping along Elmwood Avenue or Hertel Avenue.
"It is something we have been working for," said Mark Wendel, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. president.
For the better part of four years, local officials led by Visit Buffalo President and CEO Patrick Kaler have been courting Great Lakes cruise operators to add Buffalo to their routes.
Great Lakes cruises are one of the major and burgeoning industries within hospitality and tourism circles.
It has grown from just 9,000 passengers in 2010 to more than 25,000 in 2023, according to New York State data.
The Great Lakes Marketing Group reported that last year more than $230 million was spent by passengers in port cities.
Just using conservative estimates, the seven times the American Patriot docks in Buffalo, collectively its passengers will leave behind a $1.5 million economic impact.
Last year, Cleveland, one of the more mature Great Lakes port cities, reported an economic impact of more than $16 million from passenger ships .
"Restaurants will feel the impact," Wendel said.
Kaler said the ships are loaded with affluent passengers who have lots of discretionary income in their wallets.
Consider some of Great Lakes trips cost more than $8,000 per passenger.
It may also be an image changer for Buffalo, Kaler said.
"So many people don't think of Buffalo as a waterfront city," Kaler said. "This tells that story."
In addition to American Cruise Lines, next year Victory Cruise Lines will be coming into Buffalo at least seven times.
Kaler said talks are underway with more cruise lines.
For now, the ships will dock along side the Miss Buffalo at the Erie Basin Marina.
Construction on a permanent passenger terminal - that includes customs offices - will start this summer and be ready by early 2027.
The terminal is slated for a Fuhrmann Boulevard parcel that was once home to the Pier - and later Shooters - restaurant.
First Great Lakes cruise ship to arrive on May 28
First Great Lakes cruise ship to arrive on May 28
