In 2013 the sector reached more than 21 million passengers and an economic contribution of 91 billion euros.
In the last decade, global demand for cruises has increased by 77%, from 12 million passengers to 21.3 million.
The new report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals that the total economic contribution of the cruise industry has reached 91 billion euros, generating 891,009 full-time jobs, which has resulted in an outlay of almost 30 billion euros in salary compensation.
“The cruise industry is truly global. It brings together passengers and crew from various nationalities for a unique experience of highly attractive itineraries, multiple destinations, and exceptional value vacations on every continent,” said Christine Duffy, President and CEO of CLIA. “The popularity of cruising continues to grow thanks to a wide range of entertainment options and high passenger satisfaction with their vacation experience. This report also demonstrates that the industry’s growth is generating increased jobs, profits, and revenues worldwide.”.
“The figures published today show that almost 45% of the industry’s global contribution in 2013 was generated in Europe,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of CLIA Europe and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “Without a doubt, the cruise industry is a key element in Europe’s economic recovery, generating growth and jobs at a time when both are hard to come by. With more Europeans choosing cruises, more tourists sailing in European waters, and more ships being built in European shipyards, everything points to our industry’s weight in Europe continuing to grow in the coming years.”.
Furthermore, the 2013 Global Cruise Tourism Economic Contribution Report, the first to assess the global economic impact of the cruise industry and prepared for CLIA by Business Research & Economic Advisers (BREA), has found that:
- A total of 21.31 million passengers embarked at ports around the world
- 55% of passengers worldwide come from North America (11.82 million), including 10.92 million passengers residing in the United States.
- 30% of passengers reside in Europe (6.4 million), of which 1.73 million are from the United Kingdom and Ireland and 1.69 million from Germany.
- Passengers from Australia (833,000 passengers), Brazil (732,000) and China (727,000) also enjoy cruise vacations.
- The average duration of a cruise is 7 days, with 3-4 stops.
- Cruise ship passengers and crew spent an average of 100 euros each day.
