Cruise industry records 77% growth

Global demand for cruising has increased by 77 per cent in the last decade alone, according to figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The statistics show a reported rise from 12 million to 21.3 million passengers, generating US$117 billion in economic contributions.

The industry also employed around 891,009 people on a full-term basis.

“The cruise industry is truly global, bringing together a diverse mix of international passengers and crew to experience exciting itineraries, multiple destinations, and exceptional holiday vacation value on every continent,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA president and CEO.  “With so many fun options and a high return on vacation experience, it’s not surprising that the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow. This study shows that the cruise industry’s growth is also generating increased jobs, income, and revenue in all regions of the world.”

Pierfrancesco Vago, chairman of CLIA Europe and executive chairman of MSC Cruises added: “The figures published today show that nearly 45 per cent of the industry’s 2013 global output was generated in Europe.

“Unquestionably, the cruise industry today is a key contributor to Europe’s economic recovery, creating real jobs and growth at a time when both are hard to come by. With more Europeans choosing to cruise, more tourists cruising in European waters and more cruise ships being built in European ship yards, the weight of our industry in Europe can only continue to increase in years to come.”

The Global Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism 2013 report, commissioned by CLIA and conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisers also found that:

• 21.31 million cruise passengers embarked from ports around the world
• 55% of global passengers are sourced from North America (11.82 million), including 10.92 million that reside in the US
• 30% of passengers reside in Europe (6.4 million), including 1.73 million from the UK and Ireland, and 1.69 million from Germany
• Also enjoying cruise vacations are travellers from Australia (833,000 passengers), Brazil (732,000), and China (727,000)
• The average length of a cruise is 7 days, with 3-4 port calls
• The cruise industry generated nearly 115 million passenger and crew visit days at ports around the globe; cruise ship passengers and crew spent an average of US$126.93 each port day