The economic contribution of the cruise industry has reached a new record in Europe, although the President of CLIA Europe considers it essential to eliminate obstacles to growth.
Spain remains the second most important European market for cruise passengers, with 4.89 million visitors.
The industry's economic contribution in Spain amounted to €1.208 billion in 2014 and generated a total of 25,483 jobs.
The cruise industry continues to drive the European economic recovery, although Pierfrancesco Vago, President of CLIA Europe, has warned that the industry's future growth requires special attention to eliminate obstacles to growth.
Figures published today by CLIA Europe show that the economic contribution of the cruise industry in Europe reached a new all-time high of €40.2 billion in 2014,up 2.2% from 2013. Direct spending generated by the industry was €16.6 billion, also an increase from the €16.2 billion of 2013.
In terms of job creation, the industry generated nearly 10,000 new jobs in Europe in 2014, bringing the total to349,000 jobs in cruise lines and related businesses, including over 82,000 manufacturing positions. Compensation, wages, and other employee benefits amounted to €10.75 billion.
Pierfrancesco Vago, President of CLIA Europe, stated that “the cruise industry is making a vital contribution to Europe’s economic recovery. In 2014, this industry injected nearly €40 billion into the European economy and sustained approximately 350,000 jobs, of which more than 80,000 are in the manufacturing sector. These results are something we have all worked very hard for; we should celebrate them and continue working in this direction.”.
As a warning, he also added that “although future growth may still be possible in Europe, it is not guaranteed.” Pierfrancesco Vago pointed out that “there are a number of worrying trends, despite the fact that 6.4 million European residents booked a cruise in 2014 and that European shipyards, with a record number of new cruise ships under construction, remain the main construction hub. For example, the number of passengers embarking on a cruise from a European port fell by 3.6% compared to 2013, reaching 5.85 million.”
Pierfrancesco Vago concluded that “this downward trend of Europe as a destination is the result of serious obstacles to growth that cannot be ignored. Europe needs to overcome these obstacles by implementing harmonized environmental legislation, restructuring visa procedures, investing in coastal infrastructure, and improving port facilities.”.
Europe, key in the cruise market
According to CLIA Europe’s 2015 Economic Contribution Report, approximately 6.4 million European residents booked a cruise holiday in 2014, a 0.5% increase over 2013. “European cruise passengers account for 30% of all cruise passengers worldwide. Furthermore, Europe is one of the top destinations for cruise passengers and ships from around the globe, which translates into significant investment in tourism and spending,” explained Raphael Von Heereman, Secretary General of CLIA Europe. Meanwhile, 5.85 million passengers embarked on a cruise from European ports in 2014, a 3.6% decrease from 2013. Of these, around one million passengers came from outside Europe.
Europe remains the world's leading cruise ship manufacturing hub. Spending on new builds and refits has grown for the third consecutive year, ending a three-year decline in 2012. European shipyards plan to build 29 new ships by 2018, representing a total investment of nearly €16 billion. Spending in European shipyards, which build the world's most innovative ships, has increased by 12.8% compared to 2013. In 2014, cruise lines invested €4.55 billion in new builds and refits in Europe, marking the third consecutive year of growth.
Spain, in the top 5 in Europe
With a direct economic contribution of €1.208 billion , Spain remained the fourth largest contributor to the cruise industry in Europe in 2014. Since 2008, this economic contribution has grown by 11.8% in Spain. Furthermore, the cruise industry generated a total of 25,483 jobs in Spain , a 13.7% increase compared to 2008.
In this respect, the outlook for the coming years is moderately positive, given that economic indicators predict growth in our country of 2.8% in 2015 and 2.6% in 2016. In addition, the capacity of ships sailing in the Mediterranean is expected to increase by 9.3% this year.
Spain remained the second most visited European country by cruise passengers in 2014, second only to Italy. Specifically, 4.89 million cruise passengers visited Spanish ports. Spain also ranked second as a port of embarkation, with 1.26 million passengers.
Regarding national ports, the Port of Barcelonaremains the leading port in Europe with 2.36 million passengers in 2014. Meanwhile, the Port of Palma de Mallorcahas achieved fourth place (moving up one position compared to 2013) with 1.33 million passengers.
During the presentation of the report, which was supported by the Port of Barcelona, the Director of CLIA Spain, Alfredo Serrano, emphasized that “Spain continues to be a key market for Europe thanks to the considerable effort the industry is making to offer a high-quality alternative tailored to consumer needs. The indicators for the coming years and the projected increase in ship capacity for the Mediterranean this year make us optimistic about the future. For our part, at CLIA Spain, we continue to work closely with authorities, ports, travel agencies, and shipping companies to strengthen the industry through sustainable growth.”
Key CLIA figures relating to Europe:
- A total of 42 cruise lines are based in Europe, within which 123 cruise ships operate with an approximate capacity of 146,000 places.
- Another 60 ships belonging to 18 non-European cruise lines offer a capacity of around 89,000 places.
- The total economic contribution was 40.2 billion euros.
- The direct economic contribution of cruise companies, passengers and crew was 16.6 billion euros.
- The total number of jobs created in 2014 was 348,930.
- Employee compensation amounted to 10.75 billion euros.
Key CLIA figures relating to Spain
Spain remains the fourth largest European market in terms of direct economic contribution with 1.208 billion euros.
• Cruise line spending on ship repairs and employee compensation (wages and benefits) in Spain increased by 21% in 2014.
Spain remains the second most popular departure country (with 1,260,000 passengers) and also the second most popular destination (4,890,000 passengers). As a destination, Spain moved from third to second place in Europe in 2010, a position it has maintained ever since.
• Barcelona remains the leading cruise port with 2.36 million passengers in 2014. Palma de Mallorca ranks fourth with 1.33 million passengers.
• The Spanish economy grew by 1.4% in 2014, and is expected to grow by 2.8% in 2015 and 2.6% in 2016.
