In buoyant news for cruise travel experts, the cruising sector smashed its 2019 performance benchmark last year, contributing more than USD$168.6 billion (around AUD$259 billion) in total economic impact globally in 2023, according to the latest Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) study.
Cruise tourism also contributed USD$85.6 billion to global GDP with its growth outpacing the global economy.
The CLIA 2023 Global Economic Impact Study revealed a nine per cent increase against 2019 figures with the cruise industry supporting 1.6 million jobs worldwide with 77 per cent of those land-based.
In 2023, there was a 37 per cent increase in incremental jobs compared to 2019. Every 20 cruisers supported one full-time equivalent incremental job.
The flow-on effect of cruise tourism benefits multiple sectors, including transportation, aviation, food and beverage, lodging, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, travel agencies and supply chains.
These latest figures reflect the swell in popularity of cruise holidays, which saw 31.7 million passengers sail in 2023, an increase of seven per cent compared to 2019.
The global economic impact of cruise tourism
CLIA CEO & President Kelly Craighead said the cruise industry is an important contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in economic output and supporting millions of jobs.
“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,” she said.
Craighead said the industry’s commitment to sustainable tourism and destination stewardship will continue to rise to match ongoing cruise demand.
“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,” she said.
Read the full report here.
