CRUISING TOWARDS A STRONG ECONOMY

The North American cruise industry continued to be a substantial contributor to the US economy in 2012, according to an independent study commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The study shows that CLIA’s 26 North American member lines and their passengers and crew contributed more than US$42 billion in total US economic impact, a 4.6% increase from 2011. In addition, the cruise industry generated 356,311 jobs, paying a record US$17.4 billion in wages to American workers. After a strong rebound in 2010 and 2011 from the recession-induced impacts of 2009, the North American cruise industry continued to expand in 2012. According to the study, CLIA’s North American member cruise lines carried a record 16.95 million passengers on cruises worldwide in 2012, a 3.8% increase from the previous year. More than 10 million passengers embarked on their cruises at US ports — another all-time high — delivering significant economic benefits to local and port communities nationwide. Every week, cruise ships provision in US ports prior to embarking on an itinerary and purchase products and services from American business across the nation. “The cruise industry is a growing contributor to our nation’s economy and the economic benefits of cruising go beyond port communities as all 50 states benefit from the cruise industry’s direct and indirect spending,”said CLIA president Christine Duffy. “Various businesses nationwide contribute products and services that are integral to the cruise experience. The study demonstrates that cruising, aside from being a fun and affordable vacation option, continues to spur US economic growth.”(http://www.cruising.org)