All Things Travel: Port of Boston Takes Center Stage

BOSTON (CBS) - It was a first as Massport showcased its activities on the Boston waterfront before a crowd of 150 business and government leaders at the Exchange Conference Center on the Boston Fish Pier this morning.

In a brief interview after a panel discussion, Massport CEO Tom Glynn said, "There may be more synergies between the airport and the Port of Boston than we thought before."

Figures released today from a new economic study by Martin Associates of Pennsylvania showed that the Port of Boston created just over 7,000 direct jobs and is responsible for over 50,000 total jobs in related industries.

The total economic impact of the port is $4.6 billion. 1,600 companies use the port to ship and receive goods.

Glynn chaired a panel that included Roger Berkowitz, Legal Sea Foods CEO; Kristine Esposito, Holland America Line & Seabourn Business development Manager; George McEvoy, International Longshoremen's Association.

Discussing their plans after their meeting, Esposito indicated that Holland America will start trips next spring between Boston and Bermuda.

Holland America will be in competition with Norwegian Cruise Lines. It will dock in downtown Hamilton for three days and depart Boston on Saturday.

John Barros, who now heads up business development for the City of Boston, represented Mayor Marty Walsh and praised Massport for its efforts.

Barros also indicated that Boston was taking a more regional approach to the cities and towns nearby.

Massport also pointed to an industry cluster of fish processing facilities in South Boston.

Legal Sea Foods moved its headquarters to the waterfront a decade ago and has two restaurants in the Seaport District.

Attracting more cruise ships to the Black Falcon Terminal will bring more visitors to the city with pre and post vacations.

One of the major benefits to people flying into Boston to board ships is the proximity of the cruise terminal to Logan Airport.

The Boston Fish Pier will officially celebrate its 100th Anniversary next weekend with its annual Boston Seafood Festival.

There will be seafood vendors, a battle of the shuckers, educational exhibits and children's activities.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON