The Cruise Industry Outlook 2024 report reveals that the industry has surpassed its historical levels and demonstrates its significant economic contribution and leadership in environmental sustainability and responsible tourism
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) publishes its annual Cruise Industry Outlook 2024 report as well as An Ocean of Opportunities, a study that emphasizes talent.
The annual Cruise Industry Outlook report reveals that 31.7 million people enjoyed a cruise in 2023, a 7% increase over 2019. Furthermore, it indicates a strong appetite for this vacation option, noting that 82% of those who have already taken a cruise intend to sail again.
Looking ahead to 2028, capacity is estimated to increase by 10% compared to 2024, while shipping companies take concrete steps to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
According to CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead: “The cruise industry remains one of the fastest growing and most resilient segments within tourism – recovering at a faster pace than international tourist arrivals – and a major contributor to the development of local and national economies.”
In this regard, Craighead explains: “In 2022, although passenger volume reached 70% of that achieved in 2019, its economic impact reached 90%.”
“Over the past 50 years, the cruise industry has demonstrated its leadership in tourism management; there is room to continue growing responsibly since cruise tourists represent only 2% of total travelers,” the president says.
“Theindustry also continues to lead the way in terms of environmental sustainability and the stewardship of destinations,” he concludes.
Key findings from the Cruise Industry Outlook 2024 report:
The industry is booming
- It surpassed the 2019 passenger volume, with 31.7 million cruise tourists (almost two million more than in 2019).
- It is estimated that 35.7 million people will enjoy a cruise in 2024.
- The intention to travel on a cruise is 6% higher than in 2019; millennials are the most enthusiastic.
- Global capacity is expected to increase from 677,000 double beds to 745,000 by 2028.
- Each year, the industry becomes more efficient: shipping companies invest in the development of new propulsion technologies (which can be adapted in the future) and use a wide variety of innovations that allow them to advance in sustainability.
Economic impact
In 2022, the industry generated globally:
- $138 billion.
- 1.2 million jobs, 4% more than in 2019.
- 43 billion euros in wages.
Besides:
- 63% of those who have taken a cruise say they have returned to a destination they visited for the first time during their voyage, extending their stay and economic impact.
- Looking ahead to 2023, the economic impact is expected to have been even greater as the number of passengers grew by 50% compared to 2022.
Tendencies
- The number of first-time cruise passengers is growing: in the last two years, 27% of cruise tourists have been first-time cruise passengers, 12% more than in the past.
- A cruise is one of the best vacation options when it comes to multigenerational travel: more than 30% of families who travel on a cruise are made up of members of – at least – two generations and 28% of travelers do so with companions from between three and five different generations.
- With a 71% increase in the number of passengers (2019 – 2023), expedition cruises are the fastest growing segment within the industry.
- Accessible excursions are booming: 45% of cruise tourists booked an accessible excursion on their last cruise.
- 73% of cruise tourists say that their regular travel agents have a significant influence when deciding on their cruise.
“A cruise is the vacation option that offers the greatest value; nearly 300,000 crew members are dedicated to providing an incredible experience for passengers. To highlight the enormous job opportunities within the industry, CLIA has published An Ocean of Opportunities.
“The debut of at least 56 new ships in the period 2024-2028 will increase the range of job opportunities within the industry, whose retention rate is currently at 80%,” Craighead says.
Key findings of the report An Ocean of Opportunities
- In 2024, the cruise industry will employ approximately 300,000 crew members from more than 150 countries (multiculturalism), as well as tens of thousands of people on land.
- 94% of women who work in maritime transport do so in the cruise industry.
- Around 40% of management positions in shipping companies are held by women.
- Green skills will be key now and in the future.
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