Statue Cruises, the official concessioner of the National Park Service to provide ferry and related services to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, announced today a new record achievement. Over 4.5 million passengers sailed onboard Statue Cruises to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island in 2016, surpassing the previous record of 4.37 million visitors set in 2000 and before airport-style metal detectors were installed after 9/11. In addition to the visitation surge in recent years, the ridership numbers represent a steady climb over the last 15 years back to pre 9-11 levels.
Since becoming the official ferry provider on Jan. 1, 2008, Statue Cruises provided a ridership recovery growing from 3.5 million passengers in 2008 to over 4.5 million, an increase of over 28 percent in nine years.
“As Statue Cruises begins its 10th year, we owe a debt of gratitude to our supportive partners at the National Park Service and our dedicated crew who day-in and day-out ensure smooth sailing to the millions of people visiting theStatue of Liberty and Ellis Island,” said Mike Burke, VP and COO of Statue Cruises.
Among the several factors contributing to the ridership record include:
- The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation worked with NPS concessioners to celebrate the NPS Centennial and improve public engagement with the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.
- Enhanced security screening operations to minimize wait times to board the boats.
- Expanded programming on both islands, including additional capacity in the Crown and Pedestal of theStatue of Liberty, the opening of the Peopling of America Exhibit inside the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, private tours of the Ellis Island Hospital Complex and more.
- A seventh boat providing increased return capacity on busy days to alleviate crowding on both islands.
For more information on Statue Cruises, including schedules or reservations to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, please visit www.statuecruises.com or follow Statue Cruises on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
