CLIA shares new 2023 Global Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study

Edited by Travel Weekly

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shared the highlights from the association’s new 2023 Global Economic Impact Study at the annual CLIA Cruise Forward conference.

The study revealed the highest-ever global economic impact from cruise tourism and reaffirmed that 2023 surpassed 2019 as the benchmark year for cruise industry performance. It also confirmed the cruise sector’s role as a robust job creator.

In 2023, the cruise industry generated $168.6 billion in total economic impact globally, a 9 per cent increase over 2019. Moreover, this growth in economic activity was accompanied by an increase in industry-supported jobs. According to the study, the cruise industry contributed 1.6 million incremental jobs in 2023 and paid $56.9 billion in wages, representing growth over 2019 of 37 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. 77 per cent of these jobs were land-based. Cruise also contributes $85.6 billion to global GDP, with its growth outpacing that of the global economy.

These latest figures reflect the steady evolution of the cruise industry, driven by the rising popularity of cruise vacations. 31.7 million passengers sailed in 2023, an increase of 7 per cent from the 29.7 million that sailed in 2019.

New 2023 Global Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study.

“The cruise industry is an important contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in economic output and supporting millions of jobs,” president and CEO of CLIA, Kelly Craighead, said. “As demand for cruising continues to grow, our member cruise lines are committed to preserving the integrity, cultural heritage and beauty of treasured destinations so they can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The contribution of cruise benefits multiple sectors, including transportation, aviation, food and beverage, lodging, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, travel agencies, and a robust supply chain.

“The economic impact of the industry extends long after a cruise ends, as CLIA research shows that 60 per cent of cruise passengers return to a destination they first visited on a cruise for a longer stay,” Craighead added.

CLIA’s full report, along with region specific studies for the United States, Europe and Canada will be posted on CLIA’s website in the coming month.

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2023 Global Economic Impact Study clia cruise lines international association