Cruise Economic Contribution Outpacing Global GDP
The good people at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) would like us to know that cruising isn’t just a leisurely jaunt on the ocean; it’s burgeoning into a formidable economic behemoth. At the recent CLIA Cruise Forward conference in Miami, they shared their 2023 Global Economic Impact Study, and the figures are jolly impressive, aren’t they? Indeed, cruise tourism has reached unprecedented heights and 2023 has officially ascended to the throne, dethroning 2019 as the best year for cruise industry performance.
The global economic ricochet from the cruise industry in 2023 was a staggering $168.6 billion. That’s a fair bit more than 2019, with a 9% jump, if you will. Jobs are aplenty due to this boom, with a whopping 1.6 million additional jobs gracing the economy. Handsomely paid too, totalling $56.9 billion in wages. Most of these jobs, about 77%, weren’t even on the waves; they are firmly planted ashore.
Economic Impact Across Sectors
Cruising, it seems, spills over into various sectors like a well-poured pint. Whether it’s transportation, aviation, food and beverage, lodging or technology, the cruise industry brushes them all with its strong growth. The industry’s fingerprints are all over a robust supply chain, and that’s heartening news for those who work around the docks, isn’t it?
Here’s something to ponder—60% of cruise passengers decide to drop anchor again at a destination they first discovered on a cruise, only this time for a longer getaway. How very delightful!
Rising Popularity and Sustainable Practices
In 2023, some 31.7 million souls set sail, a 7% rise from 2019’s numbers. One suspects the allure of cruise vacations is becoming rather hard to resist, much like a good cup of tea.
But hold your horses, dear readers! The journey doesn’t end at mere economic benefits. A strong commitment to sustainable tourism is underway, meticulously executed by CLIA member lines. To that end, you’ll find CLIA’s new Guiding Principles for Responsible Tourism a fine piece of documentation, illustrating their ongoing journey to preserve destinations’ natural allure.
View the CLIA study findings [here](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-2023-global-cruise-industry-economic-impact-study-shows-the-highest-ever-global-economic-impact-from-cruise-tourism-302303389.html).
“The cruise industry is like a benevolent giant,” says Kelly Craighead, the CLIA’s eminent president and CEO. It contributes heartily to the coffers of the global economy, along with supporting a legion of jobs. As demand sails upward, our beloved cruise lines are earnest in shielding the integrity, cultural heritage, and beauty of places the world over — a laudable goal, indeed!
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
The CLIA knows its oats when it comes to the cruise industry. As the globe’s largest cruise industry trade association, it steadfastly represents the interests of the cruising world. 2023 is forecasted to see 35.7 million cruise passengers—setting a fresh record. For a more in-depth look, the full report and some regional insights will be lovingly posted on [CLIA’s website](https://cruising.org).
Please, if you fancy staying apprised, do follow along on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CLIAGlobal), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/CLIAGlobal), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CLIAGlobal), or perhaps [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cruise-lines-international-association).
Such is the state of our cherished cruise industry in 2023. May the winds be ever so favourable.
