Cruise Industry Achieves Record Economic Impact in 2023

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that its 2023 Global Economic Impact Study reveals the highest-ever global economic impact from cruise tourism, surpassing 2019 as the benchmark year for industry performance. According to the study, the cruise sector generated an impressive US$168.6 billion in total economic impact globally in 2023, marking a 9% increase over 2019 levels.

This growth in economic output was accompanied by a significant increase in industry-supported jobs. The cruise industry provided an additional 1.6 million jobs globally in 2023, with wages totaling $56.9 billion, reflecting 37% growth in jobs and 13% growth in wages compared to 2019. Notably, 77% of these jobs were land-based, highlighting the broad economic benefits of cruise tourism on local economies. Additionally, the industry contributed $85.6 billion to global GDP, outpacing overall economic growth.

The rise in cruise tourism can also be attributed to increasing demand for cruise vacations. In 2023, 31.7 million passengers sailed, a 7% increase from the 29.7 million passengers who cruised in 2019, indicating a sustained recovery and strong growth in the cruise sector.

CLIA’s Commitment to Sustainable Growth
“The cruise industry is an important contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in economic output and supporting millions of jobs,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “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.”

The economic benefits of the cruise industry are far-reaching, benefiting multiple sectors such as transportation, aviation, food and beverage, lodging, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, travel agencies, and a robust supply chain. These contributions extend beyond the cruise itself, with CLIA research showing that 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they first visited on a cruise for a longer stay, providing a lasting impact on the economy.

The Growing Global Demand for Cruise Travel
The results of the 2023 study reinforce the steady evolution of the cruise industry, driven by an increase in cruise vacations and an expanding customer base. The global demand for cruises continues to grow, with an expanding fleet of ships, new itineraries, and more options for travelers seeking unique vacation experiences.