CLIA UK & Ireland figures show Europe was the most popular destination for UK travellers
By
Rebecca Gibson |
The number of UK passengers taking a river cruise grew by 6% to reach 139,400 in 2014, according to figures from CLIA UK & Ireland.
Europe remained the most visited region for UK travellers in 2014, accounting for 86% of all passengers. The most popular rivers were the Danube and Rhine, which grew in popularity by 41% and 37% respectively.
River cruise in Russia also increased by 15%, while cruises on rivers such as the Mekong in Southeast Asia were up 55%, and voyages on the Ganges and Brahmaputra in India rose by 24%.
According to CLIA UK & Ireland, the rise in river cruise popularity can be attributed to the rise in the number of new, larger ships with multiple dining venues, spa facilities and range of cabins with balconies. A third of European river vessels have been built over the past ten years, while 25% have been constructed in the past five.
Growth is expected to continue in 2015 as 16 river cruise ships are to be launched by CLIA member lines.
“With the continued investment in new, more innovative ships and the ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, it’s no surprise that more UK passengers than ever are opting for river cruises as their holiday choice,” said Andy Harmer, director of CLIA UK & Ireland.
From 26-30 March, CLIA UK & Ireland will hold its first-ever River Cruise Weekend to help raise the profile of river cruise holidays in Europe. The event will be attended by some of the world’s major river cruise lines.