Clia revises growth projections after strong 2015

Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) has announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2015 ocean cruise passenger projections and it has increased passenger expectations for 2016.

It unveiled the insights at the 2016 Cruise360 Conference in Vancouver.

The industry reported a total of 23.2 million passengers on ocean cruises globally in 2015, up from a projection of the 23 million, and a four per cent increase over 2014.

Clia is now predicting 24.2 million travellers will set sail on ocean cruises in 2016.

Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, Clia: “The success in 2015 demonstrates the cruise industry’s continued strength in the overall travel sector.”

“This is a direct result of the amazing work and commitment of our community of cruise lines, executive partners and travel agencies and agents. Plus, with the highest satisfaction rates among all leisure travel segments, it reflects that a cruise holiday is the holiday of choice for travellers around the world.”

Much of the industry’s growth can be attributed to emerging regions of the world, according to Clia.

In 2015, Asia experienced the most growth year-over-year in ocean cruise passengers with another impressive 24 percent increase from 2014 to 2015, with a total of more than two million ocean cruise passengers in 2015.

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific also experienced an incredible 14 percent increase in ocean cruise passengers from 2014 to 2015.