Cruise Industry Adds to US Trade Defecit Declares Lobbyist
Executive claims 'Carnival Triumph', 'Carnival Splendor' & even 'Costa Condordia' are but the "Tip of the Iceberg". World City America Inc., president, Stephanie Gallagher asks when will U.S. politicians and reporters ask the right questions about this non-U.S. industry? American passengers account for over 90 percent of the revenues earned by over 150 foreign-flag cruise ships sailing out of U.S. ports. It's a $40 billion-a-year industry that competes unfairly with American hotels, resorts, casinos and convention facilities. "Unfairly" because it is exempt from U.S. safety, environmental and labor regulations. It does not pay U.S. corporate taxes on its profits, and it is not required to hire American officers or crew.
OP/ED: Marad's Ship Financing Policy
World City America insists Obama Administration Torpedoing U.S. Flag Cruise Industry. As Royal Caribbean Cruises confidently orders its third Finnish-government-financed Oasis-class ship, the Obama Administration slams the door on American competition in this $40 billion-a-year industry supported almost entirely by US passenger revenues. The American Flagship project claims Obama bulldozed its long-planned, private sector funded, job-creating initiative – perhaps to spur already prolific foreign-flag campaign contributions.
Obama's Title XI Policy Challenged by AFP
American Flagship Project challenges President Obama to explain why his Administration has blocked America’s entry into the $40 billion-a-year foreign-dominated cruise sector. The Obama Administration has announced a policy prohibiting the use of its Title XI ship financing program for American flag cruise ships. World City America Inc. has devoted more than fifteen years and invested $60 million in an effort to claim for the American economy and American jobs a share of the US-driven, but foreign-dominated, cruise industry.
