Participation and spending in cruise tourism: a two-part analysis of passenger expenditure in Cartagena de Indias

The cruise industry has become an increasingly relevant component of the tourism economy in the Colombian Caribbean, particularly in Cartagena de Indias. This study analyzes passenger expenditure behavior using a two-part model that distinguishes between the decision to incur positive expenditure and the conditional level of spending. Based on data from the International Visitor Survey (EVI–DANE), the analysis covers four expenditure categories: food and beverages, souvenirs, jewelry, and cultural activities. The results reveal substantial heterogeneity in both participation and expenditure intensity across categories, supporting the use of a two-part framework given the prevalence of zero expenditures and highly dispersed positive values. Travel group size emerges as a key determinant, affecting both the probability of expenditure and its magnitude. From a policy perspective, the findings highlight the need to consider both margins when designing strategies to enhance the economic impact of cruise tourism.