Barcelona, July 6, 2018 - The cruise industry broke records and contributed 47.86 billion euros to the European economy in 2017, according to data provided by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in its new European Economic Contribution Report.
This represents an increase of 16.9% compared to the previous figures published in 2015.
David Dingle, Chairman of CLIA Europe and President of Carnival UK, comments: “The cruise industry continues to contribute significantly to the European economy. This positive impact of cruising is clear through sustained growth.”.
“This is because more Europeans are choosing to enjoy their holidays on cruises, there are more passengers sailing around Europe, and more ships are being built in shipyards across the continent. All of this translates into significant economic benefits for the whole of Europe.”.
Last year, direct spending by the cruise industry reached €19.7 billion, up from €16.9 billion in 2015.
In terms of employment, between 2015 and 2017 the cruise industry generated more than 43,000 new jobs across Europe. Currently, there are a total of 403,621 employees in cruise lines and related businesses. Wages and other compensation for European employees reached €12.77 billion.
As the global cruise industry continues to grow and expand to new destinations, Europe remains a key hub for this industry. This trend is supported by three key factors:
- Europe represents the second largest source market in the world – 6.96 million Europeans took a cruise holiday in 2017, 7.8% more than in 2015.
- Europe remains the world's second most popular cruise destination, second only to the Caribbean. The study shows that 6.5 million passengers embarked from European ports, a 6.1% increase compared to 2015.
- European shipyards are the heart of the global cruise ship industry. The world's largest and most innovative ships continue to be built here, and spending on construction and maintenance has increased for the sixth consecutive year. In 2017, cruise lines spent €5.6 billion in European shipyards, a 22.4% increase over 2015. Currently, 66 ships are scheduled for delivery through 2021, with a total value exceeding €29.4 billion.
Cindy D'Aoust, President and CEO of CLIA, states: “We are confident that the growth of the cruise industry in Europe will continue over the next few years. CLIA continues to work with legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders on a variety of issues important to the industry, including environmental and sustainability matters.”.
“The economic contribution to Europe is a direct result of the impressive growth that the cruise industry saw in 2017, reaching 26.7 million ocean cruise passengers worldwide.”.
Spain, second largest inbound market and fourth largest source market
With €1.481 billion in direct economic contribution (€4.252 billion in total contribution including indirect and induced effects), Spain is the fifth largest beneficiary of the cruise industry in Europe, representing a 12% increase compared to the previous figures provided in 2015. This contrasts with the lower growth of 7.5% in economic contribution across Europe during the same period.
Furthermore, the cruise industry in our country generated 31,233 jobs (direct, indirect and induced), 9.3% more than in 2015. This figure is slightly higher than that generated at the European level, which amounts to 7.7% more.
According to Alfredo Serrano, National Director of CLIA Spain, “these figures demonstrate the growing contribution of the cruise industry to our economy, both in Europe and in Spain. Our country is home to the continent's leading cruise port; it has climbed one place to become the fourth largest source market for cruise passengers in Europe; and it is also the second largest cruise destination, with aspirations of becoming the leader. Furthermore, in 2017, Spanish shipyards received their first orders in a long time to build new cruise ships. This is why the association representing the sector has chosen Barcelona this year to present this study.”.
Additional information
Key figures for 2017, according to CLIA Europe:
- 40 cruise lines based in Europe, which operate 137 cruise ships with a capacity of approximately 164,000 beds.
- Another 75 ships with a capacity of around 95,000 beds, deployed in Europe by 23 non-European cruise lines.
- 47.86 billion euros of total economic contribution.
- 19.7 billion euros in direct spending by cruise lines and their passengers and crew.
- 403,621 jobs and 12.7 billion euros in wages and other remuneration.
Key CLIA figures relating to Spain:
- 1.481 billion euros of total economic contribution.
- 31,233 jobs (D+I/I)
- Spain ranks fifth in Europe for Direct Impact
- Second country of embarkation and in transit movements
- Fourth source market
- Spain consolidates its position in ship renewal and repair and becomes an emerging country in new construction.
Study prepared by BREA and GPW
- BUSINESS RESEARCH & ECONOMIC ADVISORS (BREA) is a privately held, U.S.-based organization that is completely independent of any political, industrial, or contractual interests. Since 2000, BREA has been providing specialized, industry-specific market analysis to a variety of private clients. These unique market analyses and economic impact studies integrate economic, financial, and demographic trends with primary market research, proprietary client data, and advanced statistical and modeling techniques. This approach results in comprehensive, actionable analyses, databases, and models designed to support business planning, sales and marketing, and public relations.
- GP WILD (International) Limited (GPW) is a marketing and management consultancy founded in 1985, with particular expertise in the maritime and international transport sectors. Based in the UK, GPW has specialized knowledge of shipping, international trade, and related markets, and conducts ongoing research in this sector, with particular experience in the cruise, ferry, and maritime tourism industries.
