The International Cruise Lines Association's Economic Contribution Report also highlights that the industry's direct spending in Spain has been 1.323 billion euros, 9.5% more than in 2014.
The Port Authority of A Coruña has indicated that in 2017 it will receive 114 cruise ship calls and 170,000 cruise passengers, which are the best figures in its history.
More direct spending, more jobs, and more cruise passengers visiting Spanish cities. The cruise industry continues to contribute to the economic recovery of Spain and its regions, as shown in the data released today by CLIA Spain (Cruise Lines International Association) and the Port Authority of A Coruña.
The figures presented by CLIA Spain, from its Annual Report on European Economic Contribution, highlight that our country continues to be the second most important European market for cruise passengers, with almost 6 million visitors in 2015 (21.3% more than in 2014). It also ranks second as a port of embarkation with 1.28 million passengers (up 1.9%).
The positive figures from 2015 continue: Spain remained the fourth largest European market benefiting from the cruise industry in 2015, with direct spending of €1.323 billion, representing a 9.5% increase compared to 2014. Furthermore, the cruise industry generated a total of 28,576 jobs in 2015, 12.1% more than in 2014, across a wide range of sectors (restaurants, transport, and retail, among others).
Of the €1.323 billion in direct spending, €586 million (44%) corresponded to expenses incurred by passengers and crew. Specifically, €312 million was spent on excursions, food and beverages, and other products in ports of call; €244 million was for airport and port taxes, accommodation, food and beverages, excursions, and other services in ports of embarkation. Crew expenses amounted to approximately €27 million. The report indicates that, on average, each passenger who visited a Spanish port spent €54.
A total of €457 million (34%) 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 €125 million in the transport and services sector; €123 million on non-durable goods such as fuel and lubricants; €56 million on financial and business services; €34 million on durable goods, mainly machinery and administrative offices; and €28 million on food and beverages for onboard consumption.
In addition, ship repair and construction amounted to 245 million, representing a 33% increase compared to 2013.
Meanwhile, salary expenditures totaled €35 million, representing 3% of the total. This meant the cruise industry employed the equivalent of 1,300 Spaniards in its administrative offices and as crew members on board its ships.
During the presentation of the study, which for the second consecutive year has been released in A Coruña, the Director of CLIA Spain, Alfredo Serrano, highlighted “the great effort being made by the Port Authority of A Coruña to ensure that the port and the city are leading cruise destinations. The data we have presented reflects the significant impact of the cruise industry on the Spanish economy, especially in coastal areas. We are confident that this growth will continue in the coming years thanks to the collaborative work of all industry stakeholders to continue generating wealth and employment not only in the cruise sector but also in many other sectors.”
CLIA Europe publishes the annual Economic Contribution Report of the Cruise Industry in Europe, which compiles key industry data at the European and country levels. This report is prepared by the independent consultancy GPWild, taking into account data provided by shipping companies, shipyards, port authorities, and various cruise associations.
Positive Outlook for A Coruña
Regarding A Coruña, the president of the Port Authority, Enrique Losada, presented the forecasts for 2017, which indicate that the best results in the Port's history will be achieved. To date, 114 cruise ship calls have been announced, with a total of 170,000 passengers and 55,000 crew members, which will represent a new record in both the number of ships and cruise passengers, with an estimated economic impact on the city of 10 million euros.
The Port of A Coruña has consistently led the Cantabrian-Atlantic coast in the number of cruise ship calls, and forecasts for 2017 indicate that, for the first time, it could also lead in the number of cruise passengers, thus marking a new milestone. It is worth noting that the influx of tourists has tripled since 2009, the year in which 54,191 passengers were recorded.
Among the causes of this growth, Enrique Losada cited the intensification of commercial and promotional activities at the port, the reduction of port service fees, the high level of satisfaction of travelers and shipping companies, and the institutional alliance with the port of Leixões-Porto.
Key CLIA figures relating to Europe
- A total of 39 cruise companies are based in Europe, operating 123 cruise ships with a capacity of around 149,000 places, 3,000 more places than in 2014.
- In Europe, there are also 73 other ships with an approximate capacity of 100,000 beds belonging to 23 non-European cruise companies, which is about 11,000 more beds than in 2014.
- Total spending by the cruise industry is €40.95 billion, 2% more than last year.
- Direct spending by cruise companies, passengers and crew amounts to 16.89 billion euros, 1.7% more than in 2014.
- 11.05 billion euros in salary compensation, compared to 10.75 billion euros in 2014.
Key CLIA figures relating to Spain
- Spain remains the fourth largest European market in terms of direct economic contribution with 1.323 billion euros, 9.5% more than in 2014.
- The cruise industry generated a total of 28,576 jobs, 12.1% more than in 2014.
- Spain remains the second most popular departure country (with 1.28 million passengers) and also the second most popular destination (5.93 million 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 2.54 million passengers in 2015.
