The CLIA Spain column
By Alfredo Serrano
Managing Director CLIA Spain
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 72 – March 2025
Beyond the economic impact generated in the destinations
According to a recent study by the consultancy firm Tourism Economics, the cruise industry contributed €6.45 billion to the Spanish economy in 2023, a 14% increase over the previous year. It also contributed €3 billion to the country's GDP and stimulated the creation of 48,900 jobs, representing a 16% increase in both cases compared to 2022.
These figures support the capacity of our industry to generate wealth and opportunities; a capacity that, as is evident, transcends beyond the spending generated by cruise tourists, a KPI to which some voices still cling, who, for some strange reason, resist seeing the complete picture and recognizing the value that our sector contributes.
It is particularly interesting to analyze, even if only at a glance, how these 6.45 billion euros are distributed. Of this amount, 21% (1.37 billion) corresponds to induced spending; 34% (2.19 billion) to indirect spending; and 45% (2.89 billion) to direct spending.
Of this latter amount, almost 50% (€1.4 billion) is linked to shipping companies and their operations, in addition to another 10% (€300 million) related to investments made by cruise lines in Spanish shipyards. The numbers speak for themselves.
One of the characteristics of this direct spending by shipping companies is its cross-cutting nature; their value chain is made up of companies that offer everything from port services to suppliers of fresh produce, fuel and technology, as well as tour operators, local partners that shipping companies rely on to develop the excursions they offer to their customers.
Some of these companies are global leaders in their fields. From their headquarters in Spain, they promote innovation and manage their business globally. The direct result is the hiring of highly qualified professionals, generating local added value that, in no way, depends on the arrival of a cruise ship at a particular port.
At a time like this, it's time for the industry to move to the next stage, further highlighting its contribution to local economies and showcasing the wide range of sectors involved in its operations. For their part, our suppliers must also step up and emphasize the importance of the sector to their bottom line. Because the impact of the cruise industry extends far beyond the economic benefits it generates in destinations.
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