Cruise Industry in the City of Gdynia, the Implications for Sustainable Logistic Services and Spatial Development

Abstract

Maritime tourism has been growing in the Baltic Sea Region for the last decade. In 2012 over 4.2 million cruise passengers visited the Baltic ports. Apart from cruising, an important segment of Baltic maritime tourism represents ferry shipping. More than 50 million passengers were transported by ferries last year, mainly in international and domestic services. Such high levels of the industry must have a great influence on cities in the region. One can put forward an argument that cruise and ferry shipping determines the spatial development and creates the demand for logistic services dedicated to cruise tourists. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and evaluate the impact of the cruise industry on the city of Gdynia. Both cruise and ferry transport concentrate in Gdynia and demonstrates dynamic growth resulting in increased demand for logistic services dedicated to passenger tourists.