South Carolina House Passes Resolution, Stands Up For Carnival
With sponsors from both sides of the aisle, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a resolution Tuesday evening expressing thanks to Carnival Cruise Lines for the line’s economic contributions to the state while operating in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Calling Carnival “a conscientious good corporate citizen of this State,” the House recognized that cruise operations in the Port of Charleston in 2010 brought an estimated $37 million impact to the area, and that each Carnival ship was responsible for around $323,000 in local direct spending. Additional survey data indicates that a high percentage of travelers (97%) visiting Charleston for the first time to embark on a Carnival ship are likely to return to the city.
Further, the Resolution points to Carnival’s environmental stewardship. The line has voluntarily set strict environmental standards and practices that exceed federal and international law, thereby complementing the South Carolina Ports Authority’s commitment to operating in a balanced and environmentally sensitive manner.
SC House of Reps, Chamber Stand Up for Carnival
With sponsors from both sides of the aisle, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a Resolution Tuesday evening expressing thanks to Carnival Cruise Lines for the line’s economic contributions to the state while operating in an environmentally sensitive manner. At the same time, the head of the state’s lead business organization addressed the lawsuit filed against the line, saying the business community “will not allow this attack on economic growth and jobs to stand.”
Led by Rep. Leon Stavrinakis and co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell and Reps. Jim Merrill, Peter McCoy, Jenny Horne, Wendell Gilliard, Chris Murphy, Kevin Ryan, Bill Crosby, Joseph Daning, and Seth Whipper, the Resolution praises Carnival’s positive impact on South Carolina. Calling Carnival “a conscientious good corporate citizen of this State,” the House recognized that cruise operations in the Port of Charleston in 2010 brought an estimated $37 million impact to the area, and that each Carnival ship was responsible for around $323,000 in local direct spending. Additional survey data indicate that a high percentage of travelers (97%) visiting Charleston for the first time to embark on a Carnival ship are likely to return to the city.
Addressing the lawsuit filed Monday against Carnival, Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce said, “South Carolina prides itself on being a tourism-friendly state, and this lawsuit sends the wrong message to companies considering locating here. Businesses like Carnival Cruise Lines are critical to economic development and essential to creating jobs and wealth for South Carolinians.
“As the cruise industry continues to grow, South Carolina is proud Carnival has chosen Charleston. This frivolous lawsuit has the potential to set a dangerous precedent, and the business community will not allow this attack on economic growth and jobs to stand,” he said.
Also, this Resolution is passed just one day after SC envirmonmental groups file suit against Carnival.