By
Cherie Rowlands|
The cruise industry makes a ‘quite extraordinary’ contribution to the European Union (EU) economy by creating skilled jobs, the European Cruise Council (ECC) conference in Brussels heard on 27 June.
The sector’s support of shipbuilding, port communities and tourism won high praise from top EU figures in the European Commission and European Parliament.
“The cruise industry continues to grow and the total contribution to the European economy is at a record high," European Commission VP and transport commissioner Siim Kallas said.
"Europe is the fastest growing market for cruise ships and the number of Europeans choosing a cruise holiday has trebled since 2001 to close to 6 million in 2011. In these very difficult times, such figures are quite extraordinary.”
Delegates heard how most of the world’s cruise ships are built in European yards and that tourism is important for economies based around ports.
Member of the European Parliament and transport committee chairman Brian Simpson said: “Not only is a healthy and thriving cruise sector important in terms of supporting Europe’s shipbuilding industry – the vast majority of the world’s cruise ships are built in European yards so it is important for a great deal of skilled jobs in Europe. Cruise tourism has a very significant impact on the local economies close to where ports are located, which is why it is important for many MEPs that the EU is active in promoting the tourism agenda.”
The ECC welcomed the accolade from senior EU representatives and is keen for ongoing dialogue so that the industry continues to grow sustainably.
ECC vice chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said: “The cruise industry truly stands out, particularly in these troubled economic times and for the sector to continue its sustainable growth, we very much need the EU institutions to continue this helpful dialogue with us.”
The sixth annual ECC conference was attended by 30 cruise line members and 34 associates, with speakers from Silversea Cruises, Carnival UK, AIDA Cruises, MSC and Costa Cruises.