The International Cruise Lines Association's Economic Contribution Report reveals that the cruise industry generated a total of 25,483 jobs in our country.
A study by the Port Authority of A Coruña highlights the economic impact of the sector on the city, as well as the high level of satisfaction among cruise passengers visiting the destination
.The cruise industry continues to drive the economic recovery of Spain and its different regions, according to two studies released today by CLIA Spain (Cruise Lines International Association) and the Port Authority of A Coruña.
The figures presented today by CLIA Spain highlight that our country continues to be the second most important European market for cruise passengers, with 4.89 million visitors in 2014.It also ranks second as a port of embarkation with 1.26 million passengers.
Furthermore, with a direct economic contribution of €1.208 billion , Spain remained the fourth largest contributor to the cruise industry in Europe in 2014. Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008, this economic contribution has grown by 11.8% in Spain. The cruise industry also generated a total of 25,483 jobs in Spain in 2014 .
Of these 1.208 billion euros, 523 million (43%) corresponded to spending by passengers and crew. Specifically, 239 million euros were for airport and port taxes, accommodation, food and beverages, excursions, and other services at ports of embarkation. A total of 259 million euros corresponded to expenses for excursions, food and beverages, and other products at ports of call. Crew expenses amounted to approximately 28 million euros. The report indicates that, on average, each passenger who visited a Spanish port spent 55 euros.
A total of €466 million (39%) came from spending on provisions and supplies for shipping companies, a figure that has a very positive impact on local economies. Of this amount, shipping companies spent €27 million on food and beverages for onboard consumption; €145 million on non-durable goods such as fuel and lubricants; €31 million on durable goods, mainly machinery and administrative offices; and €60 million on financial and business services.
Furthermore, ship repair and construction also accounted for 184 million, 15% of the total economic contribution of the industry in Spain, with an increase in 2014 of 25% compared to 2013.
Meanwhile, salary expenditures totaled €36 million, representing 3% of the total. This meant the cruise industry employed the equivalent of 1,100 Spaniards in its administrative offices and as crew members on board its ships.
During the presentation of the report, the Director of CLIA Spain, Alfredo Serrano, highlighted the “great importance of Spanish ports, which contribute very positively to wealth creation in coastal economies. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the excellent work being done by the Port Authority of A Coruña to make the port and the city a leading destination for cruise ships.”
High level of satisfaction among cruise passengers visiting A Coruña
The Port Authority of A Coruña has presented a study on the economic impact and profile of cruise ship passengers arriving in the city. This study concludes that over 80% of travelers would recommend A Coruña to their friends and family. The destination generates a high level of satisfaction, with an overall score of 4.15 out of 5.
The president of the Port Authority of A Coruña, Enrique Losada, has pointed out that these figures support the wisdom of promoting this sector, both for the dissemination of the city's image internationally and for the direct economic impact, which in A Coruña is estimated at 8 million euros annually.
In recent years, the Port of A Coruña has experienced a remarkable growth in cruise ship calls, going from 54,000 passengers in 2009 to 129,000 in 2014.
| MAIN CONCLUSIONS OF THE STUDIES |
Key CLIA figures relating to Europe:
- 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.
- A total of 42 cruise lines are based in Europe, within which 123 cruise ships operate with an approximate capacity of 146,000 places.
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.
Total direct spending by the industry in Spain (1,208 million)
Direct spending by shipping companies by industry on provisions and supplies
| Industry | Expenditure (millions of euros)/2014 | % of total |
| Agriculture, Mining and Construction | 2 million | 0,4% |
| Manufacturing Sector | 203 million | 43,6% |
| Food and Drinks | 27 million | 5,8% |
| Other non-durable goods | 145 million | 31,1% |
| Durable goods | 31 million | 6,7% |
| Wholesale trade | 47 million | 10,1% |
| Transportation and Services | 111 million | 23,8% |
| Financial and Business Services | 60 million | 12,9% |
| Staffing services | 43 million | 9,2% |
| Total | 466 million | 100% |
Main conclusions of the study by the Port Authority of A Coruña:
• 51% of passengers were unfamiliar with A Coruña before the cruise. However, after their visit, over 80% would recommend the city to their friends and family.
• Over 70% say that A Coruña has exceeded their expectations. The city's average rating is 4.15 out of 5.
• The direct economic impact of cruises is estimated at 8 million euros annually.
