Cruise market analysis in 2014: the Costa Group is a leader in the main markets of continental Europe
Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group: “More than half of the passenger growth over the last five years (2009-2014) was generated by the Costa Group (Costa, AIDA) thanks to our loyal customers and sales partners.”
The analysis conducted by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) during the Cruise Shipping Miami 2015 trade show strikingly demonstrates that, overall, the cruise boom continues globally. In 2014, five out of ten passengers from continental Europe spent their holidays aboard a ship operated by the Costa Group.
“Being leaders in key European markets is an incentive to offer our passengers unique holiday experiences and the best service at all times. Five out of ten passengers from continental Europe have already booked a cruise with us. I would like to thank our guests for the trust they have placed in us and also our many loyal sales partners for their support. We will continue to expand our leading position in Europe, as well as in Asia, with a wide range of innovations and strong growth,” says Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group.
In November 2014, the company launched its flagship, the Costa Diadema (4,947 passengers and 133,019 tons). This ship exemplifies Costa Crociere's new brand positioning as 'The Best of Italy,' with several exclusive partnerships (such as with Illy and Ferrari, for example) and unique experiences. The Costa Group's fleet will be expanded with two new ships in 2016; these are currently being built for the AIDA brand by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries/Nagasaki (Japan).
CLIA analysis shows the rapid growth in passenger numbers in key European cruise markets. In this respect, the Costa Group is a leader in the main markets of continental Europe.
Italy is currently the third largest cruise market in Europe, where the Costa Group is the leader according to the 2014 analysis.
Germany is now the leader in Europe and number two in the world in the cruise market, behind the US. With its AIDA and Costa brands, the Costa Group is the clear market leader, with German passengers booking all their second cruises with Costa Group brands.
France is currently number four in Europe, with impressive growth. Costa is also the clear market leader here, with a share of around 45% and above-average growth in France, well ahead of its competitors.
In Spain, with a 40% share, the Costa Group is also the market leader.
The company also holds a leading position in China. Around four out of every ten bookings in the rapidly growing Chinese market are for Costa ships. This was impressively demonstrated by the Costa Atlantica's voyage, currently sailing its first-ever 86-day round-the-world cruise for Chinese passengers. This world premiere began in Shanghai on March 1st of this year. In April 2015, the Costa Serena will become Costa's third ship to offer cruises from China.
