What: CLIA’s Report Gives Comprehensive Overview of Cruising’s Past, Present and Future
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s latest Cruise Industry 2022 Outlook Report, which was released today, provides an in-depth look at an industry that has been (and still continues to be) heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights from the report include updates on the segment’s mission to become more sustainable; details on cruising’s effect on the global economy; and expert reflections from key cruise industry stakeholders.
Why It Matters: The Future for Cruising Looks Bright, Despite Recent Challenges
Despite the challenges the cruise industry continues to face — including a new CDC warning against cruising, a downturn in bookings and delayed or suspended services, CLIA’s report paints a picture of smoother waters ahead. CLIA cruise line members have committed to sustainable operations; by 2027, CLIA will have 26 Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)-powered cruise ships and 174 ships with shoreside power connectivity. And by August 2022, 100% of cruise lines are expected to resume operations, thanks in part to rigorous health and safety protocols. (Currently, 75% of ocean-going members have returned to service). Cruise-sellers would do well to brush up on their cruise knowledge with this report and include relevant data points when crafting client pitches.
Fast Facts
- In addition to LNG-powered ships and offering shoreside power connectivity, 81% of cruising’s global capacity will be fitted with advanced wastewater treatment systems by 2027, according to the report.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the cruise industry; in 2020 there were 5.8 million passenger embarkations (-81% from 2019); 576,000 cruise-supported jobs (-51% from 2019); and $64.4 billion in total economic contribution (-59% from 2019).
- According to CLIA’s report, every 24 cruisers creates one full-time job; passengers spend an average of $750 USD per person in port cities (during a seven-day cruise); and 60% of repeat cruisers have returned to a destination they first visited via cruise ship.
- Sixteen new cruise ships will debut in 2022 from CLIA member lines, including five LNG-powered vessels and nine expedition ships. All will be equipped with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems.
What They Are Saying: CLIA Reflects on How Far Cruising Has Come
“The 2022 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report provides an opportunity to reflect on how far our industry has come as CLIA ocean-going cruise lines have welcomed more than 6 million guests onboard since resuming operations in July 2020,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “While our focus on health and safety remains absolute, our industry is also leading the way in environmental sustainability and destination stewardship.
“Coastal and maritime tourism is an important economic driver, and we continue to work in partnership with cruise destinations so that communities thrive from responsible tourism,” Craighead added. “Our members are also investing in new technologies and new ships and pursuing the goal of net carbon neutral cruising by 2050.”
The Details
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