By
Alice Chambers |
Seatrade Cruise revealed that 87 per cent of European river cruise players have found business to be above on in line with their expectations for 2022, according to its first annual European River Cruise Trends Report.
The report, which is based on an online survey taken by stakeholders within the European river cruise market in autumn 2022, also predicts that the 2023-2024 season will be even more successful. It also covers the current state of the industry, challenges for the mid-term business development, and newbuilding and marketing trends.
Those surveyed include cruise lines, river cruise operation providers, crewing agencies, port operators and port agents, tour operators, local tourist organisations and contacts from the newbuilding and supply sector.
“As one result of this environment, industry players expect the European river cruise daily rate to increase significantly – more than 52 per cent predict an increase of between 5-10 per cent, while 30 per cent even expect 10 per cent to be surpassed,” said Frederik Erdmann, correspondent for German ports and European river cruising at Seatrade Cruise. “Nevertheless, the industry is optimistic on retaining its passenger volumes – and to regain overseas guests post pandemic. 62 per cent expect North America to become – again – the most important source market, followed by Continental Europe, UK and Ireland, as well as Australia and New Zealand.”
The report also details several challenges that the industry is working to overcome, such as sustainability, with 56 per cent of those surveyed expecting hybrid propulsion systems to be the near and mid-term solution for carbon-free operations. Meanwhile only 13 per cent of respondents plan to use electric power systems.
Seatrade also considered the rising operational costs and the prospective shortage of crew. Read the report to find out more.