According to a CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) international survey, the desire for cruises has picked up and the cruise sector's long-term viability is improving. "After the decline associated with Covid, the sector is in constant recovery, and the forecast is to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2023," said CLIA’s Maria Deligianni at the Adriatic Sea Forum.
84% of cruise passengers want to return
New CLIA data shows the propensity to book a cruise rose above pre-Covid levels in 2019. A survey of over 4,000 people conducted in eight key countries for the industry (Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia), showed that 84% of cruise passengers plan to return soon (5% more than in 2019). Furthermore, two out of every three people who have never cruised before are willing to do so now. Young travellers are the most enthusiastic about taking a cruise again (86% of GenX and 88% of Millennials), and they would recommend this type of vacation to their family and friends.
“The cruise sector is a leader in responsible travel"
"The forecast is to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2023, thanks also to the sector's commitment to sustainability, both in terms of the environment, of responsible tourism and coordination with destinations," said Maria Deligianni. “This is vital if we want to retain old cruise passengers and attract new ones, particularly among the younger generations. According to our survey 51% of the sample (+ 9% compared to last year) affirmed that the cruise sector is a leader in responsible travel."
Hotels also benefit from cruise passengers
The CLIA survey also showed that destinations benefit from economic effects that extend beyond the cruise itself ,with 69% of cruise passengers interviewed staying at least one night in the city of departure, 43% staying at least two nights in the cities of embarkation or disembarkation, and the vast majority staying in hotels. CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry association. Visit cruising.org or the European website europe.cruising.org for more information on the association’s progress toward sustainable development goals.
