World cruise industry is expected to attract 30 million passengers in 2019 compared with 28.2 million in 2018, and 17 million in 2009, according to the Secretary General of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Tom Boardley.
Mr. Boardley outlined the latest trends in cruises and foresaw great growth prospects for the sector while delivering the keynote speech at the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2019 for which Tornos News is a communications sponsor.
This year alone, 18 new cruise itineraries have been added by CLIA members raising its total to 272.
The Caribbean received the lion’s share of cruise ship deployments (34.4%) followed by the Mediterranean (17.3%).
The global cruise industry contributed $134 billion to the global economy in 2018, with 28.2 million passengers, 1.1 million jobs and $45.6 billion in wages and salaries worldwide.
Americans rank first regarding nationality breakdown of passengers with 11.9% followed by the Chinese (2.4%), the Germans (2.2%), the British (1.5%), the Austrians (1.3%),
Nearly72% of cruise passengers in the Eastern Mediterranean originate from six markets, namely Italy (19%), the United Kingdom (16%), the US (11%), Germany (11%), Spain (9%) and France (6%)
During the last two years (2018-2020), eight new home ports have been added in Greece and ten in Turkey.
Cruise trends in the eastern Mediterranean, as recorded by CLIA, include the following:
- cruise trips are considered ideal for posting photos on instagram
- trips aim at full rejuvenation of traveler
- achievements are preferred over simple experiences
- smart tech adopted on cruise ships
- eco-friendly travel focused on sustainability of destinations
- access to new luxury in new destinations
- Gen Z to outnumber millennials on cruises in 2020
- travel with emphasis on adventure and low season timing
- working nomads
- women opting for cruises on the rise
- solo cruises gain popularity
