By
Rebecca Gibson |
The German cruise industry plays a significant role in the European cruise market, according to Christine Duffy, president and CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Speaking at the 2014 ITB Berlin Conference in Berlin on 5 March, Duffy outlined the significant growth the both the European and global cruise markets have experienced over the past year. She also highlighted the positive economic impact of the cruise industry in Europe.
“The cruise industry has a long and proud history in Europe – dating back to 1844 when the Peninsular & Oriental line launched the first ‘sea tours,’ bringing passengers to destinations such as Gibraltar, Malta, and Athens,” Duffy said. “In 2012, 5.7 million passengers embarked on a cruise from Europe – making Europe the second largest market for cruise passengers worldwide. CLIA Europe and our National Chapters throughout Europe are proud to represent the industry and support our members by working with various stakeholders to continue the growth of cruising in this very important market.”
Duffy also focused on the cruise industry’s sustainability efforts in Europe and globally, as well as its work to promote and maintain a healthy planet. Many of its member cruise lines have already tested or installed catalytic converters to their ships to help reduce emissions.
“No industry has a bigger stake in maintaining a pristine environment – both in the waters we sail and the ports we visit,” Duffy said. “We will continue to forge new paths toward a greener, more sustainable planet.”
In 2014, CLIA member lines expects to welcome 21.7 million guests. Duffy concluded: “Our future is defined by new opportunities for growth, new ships that will broaden the appeal of cruising for even more passengers, and exciting new itineraries that will open up more ports and destinations.”