Wednesday, November 13, 2024 The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority in the global cruise industry, has revealed the findings of its 2023 Global Economic Impact Study. Presented at the annual CLIA Cruise Forward Conference in Miami , the study outlines record-breaking contributions from cruise tourism in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks from 2019. The data underscores the industry’s role as a key driver of the global economy and a vital creator of jobs worldwide.
The 2023 study highlights significant milestones: Furthermore, the cruise industry contributed $85.6 billion to global GDP , outpacing global economic growth rates. An impressive 77% of cruise industry-supported jobs were land-based, showcasing its widespread economic influence.
In 2023, 31.7 million passengers embarked on cruises, a 7% increase from 2019’s 29.7 million.
This surge reflects the rising popularity of cruise vacations and the industry’s resilience. “The cruise industry continues to be a major economic engine, creating billions in output and supporting millions of jobs globally,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA’s president and CEO. “As demand for cruising grows, our member lines are committed to protecting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destinations they visit.
” Cruise tourism benefits a variety of industries, including: Additionally, 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they first visited on a cruise, contributing to local t.