Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, revealing global cruise travel is continuing to grow and evolve at a record pace.
The industry shows no signs of slowing down, with nearly 24 million passengers expected to take a cruise in 2016, a dramatic increase from 15 million just 10 years prior (2006), or even 1.4 million when CLIA began tracking passengers in 1980.
CLIA also revealed member cruise lines are scheduled to launch 27 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2016, representing a total investment of more than $6.5 billion in new ocean vessels alone.
“In an effort to make cruises the best overall holiday experience available, the industry is continuing to evolve to ensure there truly is a cruise for every travel style and budget,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA’s Acting CEO. “By creating unique ships, new experiences and access to destinations around the world, the evolution, appeal and value of cruise travel continues to drive the overall growth of the industry.”
Cruising also generates a substantial positive economic impact globally. In 2014, cruise industry expenditures generated $119.9 billion in total output worldwide, supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees who earned $39.3 billion in income.
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