The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today published its Annual Economic Contribution Report for Europe, which shows that the cruise industry's economic contribution to the European economy increased by 2% compared to the previous year. The direct economic contribution generated by the industry reached €16.89 billion, up from €16.6 billion in 2014.
Europe represents the second largest market contributing passengers: 6.6 million Europeans went on cruise holidays in 2015, 3% more than in 2014.
Europe is the second most popular cruise destination, second only to the Caribbean. The study shows that 6.12 million passengers embarked on cruises from European ports in 2015, a 4.5% increase over the previous year.
“The cruise industry continues to make a significant contribution to Europe’s economic recovery,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, President of CLIA Europe and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. “The impact is clear. More Europeans are choosing to enjoy their holidays on board a cruise ship, more passengers are selecting Europe as their destination, and more cruise ships are being built in European shipyards. This translates into significant economic benefits for the entire continent, including coastal areas that were severely affected by the economic crisis.”.
With €1.323 billion in direct economic contribution, Spain remained the fourth largest European market benefiting from the cruise industry in 2015, representing a 9.5% increase over the previous year. Since 2008, the economic contribution in Spain has grown by 22.5%.
Spain remained the second most visited European country by cruise passengers in 2015, second only to Italy. Specifically, 5.93 million cruise passengers visited Spanish ports. Spain also ranked second as a port of embarkation, with 1.28 million passengers. Furthermore, a total of 466,000 Spaniards chose a cruise for their holidays in 2015, representing a 3% increase compared to the previous year.
Regarding national ports, the Port of Barcelona remains the leading port in Europe with 2.54 million passengers in 2015. Meanwhile, the Port of Palma de Mallorca has achieved third place (moving up one position compared to 2014) with 1.72 million passengers. Las Palmas occupies seventh position with 1.05 million passengers, and Tenerife tenth with 933,000.
