Cruise Industry Keeps Sailing Along

CLIA has released its latest global cruise passenger statistics which reinforce the fact that cruising continues to play a significant role in international tourism.

Around the world cruising grew by almost 7% from 2017 to 2018 – for a total of 28.5 million – and research also shows North American travellers continue to embrace cruising with an annual passenger increase of 9% (14.2 million passengers) in 2018.

While the cruise sector represents 2% of the overall global travel industry, this segment is on pace with international tourism worldwide. According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals grew 6 percent in 2018, totaling 1.4 billion while cruise travel grew at almost 7% during the same timing.

Commenting on the results, Kelly Craighead, president and CEO, CLIA, said: “It is not surprising that cruise travel is on par with overall international tourism growth. Cruising makes international travel accessible for travellers worldwide and it is apparent in the 2018 CLIA global passenger findings. From a renewed interest in cruises to the Mediterranean to a significant increase in adventure cruising, travellers are embracing cruise travel more than ever before.”

For more, sail on over to www.cruising.org .