By
Rebecca Gibson |
Around 6.1 million Europeans booked a cruise in 2012, a 38 per cent increase in numbers since the economic crisis began in 2008, according to figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe on 13 March. This indicates European cruise passengers have doubled since 2004, with four out of five choosing to cruise within the continent.
“The doubling in the number of Europeans booking a cruise in the past eight years reflects the fact that the European cruise industry provides quality, innovation, value and great range of choice,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, chairman of CLIA Europe. “We very much look forward to seeing that growth continue this year, and the associated economic benefits that this will bring to Europe.”
Proving that the Mediterranean remains popular with passengers, 3.5 million Europeans visited the region, while Northern European saw a 10 per cent growth from 1.216 million to 1.333 million cruise visitors.
The UK maintained its leading position as the main source market, while the French cruise industry increased by nine per cent. In Germany, cruising grew by 11 per cent and now forms 25 per cent of European market share. Although the economic situation has caused a nine per cent decrease in Italy’s cruise industry, and an 18 per cent reduction in the Spanish market, the five-year annual average remains positive for European passenger numbers.
“2012 was a record-breaking year for the cruise industry in Europe, which is contributing significantly to helping Europe maintain its position as one of the world’s top tourism destinations,” said Rob Ashdown, secretary general of CLIA Europe. “It is one of the few sectors in Europe currently generating growth and the cruise industry generates employment for more than 315,000 people across Europe, from the shipyards and marine equipment producers to employment in ports and coastal communities.”
The European cruise industry generates more than US$48 billion in economic benefits every year.