Product scarcity may bring opportunity for the Canada/New England region, according to David A. Candib, vice president, development and operations, global port and destination development group, Carnival Corporation.

“Some of the challenges the industry continues to face here is it’s a very unique experience, fall foliage,” he said, speaking the recent Cruise Canada New England Symposium in New York. “It falls outside of the traditional kind of summer vacation period. It’s at the tail end (of the season) so the demographics tend to be a little different.”

Candib noted the lack of short cruises. “The opportunity is there,” he noted. “We can turn that into an advantage because scarcity can drive demand. But, we need to look at marketing these destinations and how we can develop that.”

For Carnival Corporation, Holland America Line has built up in the Canada/New England region. Once regular four- and five-night voyages on Carnival Cruise Line ships to Halifax and Saint John from New York have been pulled back over time.

“Unfortunately, I think a hindrance in this region are the very high port costs,” Candib said.

The peak of the season continues to be fall foliage.

“If the destination can be marketed a little bit better we can drive demand,” Candib continued.

“Unfortunately today many of our brands are finding yield in that demand elsewhere. The capacity is there, but if we can continue to work with our port authorities, agencies, and community engagement, we can lift the destination as a whole.”

Candib, however, warned Canada/New England ports not to forget about fall foliage.

“It’s an important market and demographic for the industry,” he noted, adding that the industry should find a way to engage consumers around visiting Canada/New England in the summer months.

“I think the base is there with the infrastructure and shore excursions,” he said.