The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched its latest report, “Cruising for Impact”, which highlights the positive impact that cruise tourism generates in communities and destinations globally.
The report shows how cruise tourism acts as a powerful engine of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening communities and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations.
In addition to these benefits, the sector contributed $98.5 billion to global GDP and generated $199 billion in total economic output, supported 1.8 million jobs and generated $60.1 billion in wages in 2024, highlighting its scale and global reach.
One of the main findings, based on data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), highlights that more than 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they first discovered through a cruise, demonstrating that the sector not only connects travelers with new places, but also helps to maintain long-term tourism demand and continued benefits for local communities.
The report also highlights the degree of integration of cruise tourism into local economies, with more than 1.4 million jobs generated on land. Furthermore, it indicates that for every 20 cruise passengers, one full-time job is created globally, directly linking tourism demand with livelihoods in the destinations.
The WTTC research reveals $93 billion in direct cruise-related spending, much of which goes to local businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and tourism micro-economies in port and coastal destinations around the world.
Through seven key pillars, the report details how cruise tourism contributes to positive social outcomes, including job creation and skills development, diversity and inclusion, community strengthening, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, environmental innovation, and response to health crises.
The report also highlights how cruise tourism is generating positive results thanks to close collaboration between destinations, communities and industry partners, contributing to inclusive, sustainable growth and long-term value for the places where it operates.
With passenger capacity projected to grow by 19% between 2022 and 2028, the sector is expected to play an even greater role in supporting communities and destinations around the world.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the WTTC, stated: “Cruise tourism brings real and lasting benefits to communities around the world.
When travelers discover a destination through a cruise and decide to return, they generate ongoing opportunities for local businesses, support employment, and contribute to the long-term vitality of those communities.
This report highlights the powerful positive impact of cruise tourism, showing how it connects people, supports livelihoods, and creates shared value for destinations around the world.”
The WTTC supports governments, destinations and industry leaders to ensure that cruise tourism is fully integrated into national development strategies, with a focus on local sourcing, skills development and collaboration with communities.
By aligning growth with long-term social value, the report concludes that cruise tourism can play an even greater role in supporting inclusive, resilient, and prosperous communities around the world.
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