The Port of Quebec has announced 2015 was a record year with 29 ships calling a total of 122 times with over 168,000 passengers and crew.

“The Port of Québec is a must-visit destination in the Canada New England market and is continuing to prosper in the face of increasing competition from Asia. This generates economic benefits for Québec and the region. Once again, the Port’s stakeholders made an exceptional contribution, playing a key role in our operational success, and we want to sincerely thank them for it,” said Mario Girard, President and CEO, Québec Port Authority.

The Port of Québec continues to attract cruise lines for turnarounds, said the port.

This year, 17 ships chose Québec as a destination, embarking and disembarking more than 46,636 cruise ship passengers. Note that for the Capitale-Nationale region, an average of $329 is spent per homeport passenger and $111 per stopover passenger, said a prepared statement from the port.

“Québec City Tourism (QCT) is proud to be partnering with the Québec Port Authority once again this year in welcoming international cruise ships. Whether it is product development, marketing, welcoming passengers, mobilization or regional cooperation, the QCT is actively involved in this industry that benefits the region. These tourists’ visits help generate significant benefits and also extend the tourist season, to the great pleasure of all,” said André Roy, Director of Québec City Tourism.

Once again this year, the Port and its tourism partners pulled off a logistical feat as nine cruise ships docked over the weekend of October 2-4, bringing with them over 35,000 passengers and crew members.