By
Alex Smith |
CLIA has predicted that cruise tourism could rebound to levels not seen since before the pandemic in 2019.
Pierfrancesco Vago, global chair of CLIA, predicted in a speech at Seatrade Cruise Global in Fort Lauderdale, USA, that between 27 and 33 million cruise passengers were expected worldwide in 2023, potentially exceeding the 30 million that travelled in 2019. He also forecast that numbers would reach nearly 39 million by 2026, 30 per cent higher than in 2019.
CLIA research shows that 85 per cent of those who have cruised in the past are likely to cruise again, which is 6 per cent higher than similar research found in 2019. Similarly, more people who have never cruised were found to be interested in cruising in the future than in 2019.
“An enormous amount of work is required to achieve this, including efforts to attract a new wave of first-time cruisers,” said Vago. “We take this path supported by a strong track record, dedicated trade partners, and positive consumer sentiment.”
Vago also focused on the advances being made to improve the sustainability of cruise ships and the wider industry. According to CLIA, 60 per cent of newbuilds will rely on LNG for primary propulsion, and by 2028 the global fleet will include 38 ships powered by LNG. Approximately 40 per cent of global cruise capacity is now able to operate using onshore power in ports where it is provided, rising to 98 per cent of newbuild capacity.
“The future is bright,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA, in her opening remarks for Seatrade Cruise Global’s ‘State of the Global Cruise Industry’ conference session. 'We're seeing a new era of cruising — resilient, innovative, relevant to concerns about the environment and tourism management.”