Over 6 million Europeans cruised in 2013

Miami - Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe, announced today from the 30th annual Cruise Shipping Miami conference that more Europeans than ever booked a cruise in 2013, with the number reaching a record of 6.357 million.

This is a 4% increase since 2012 and a doubling of the European cruise market in just eight years. Since the beginning of the Economic Crisis, the European cruise market grew by 43%, proving the cruise industry’s resilience.

The long term trend shows strong growth with a five-year annual average European passenger growth of 7.1%. The five-year trend is upward in all European markets, with Italy bouncing back after a challenging year and recovering a 4% growth.

Similar to previous years nearly 4 out of 5 Europeans chose to cruise in Europe with the most popular destination the Mediterranean, which saw more than 3.5 million European passengers visiting the region.

“The impressive figures on the European cruise market 2013 released today - Vago says - clearly show the strong growth trend of an industry which already generates 327,000 jobs and €37.9 billion of economic benefits annually. More than six million Europeans chose to book a cruise vacation in 2013, and the long term trend shows a continuing positive growth which proves the cruise industry’s resilience despite the economic downturn. The persisting economic fragility in Europe continues to present challenges, but we are optimistic that the cruise industry will continue to grow in 2014.”

Rob Ashdown, Secretary General of CLIA Europe, added: “2013 was a record year for the cruise industry, which continues to grow despite the challenges, with a 43% increase of the European cruise market since the economic crisis began. Tourism is a driving force for Europe’s economy, particularly in these economically challenging times. In this respect we warmly welcome the recently-adopted European Commission’s new Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism and we are confident that it will help to boost this important sector and strengthen Europe’s position as the world’s number one tourist destination.”

Looking to Italy, passengers increased +4% on 2012. The Italian market has then partially recovered the difficulties recorded in 2012, with 869,000 Italian citizens who have booked a cruise vacation.

The figure still represents the third “source market” in Europe. With the exception of 2012, the annual growth recorded by Italy in the last five years has been well above the European average, despite the Italian market is traditionally concentrated on a few major companies.

“The Italian market is still slightly away from the record set in 2011 (923.000 passengers), but the important recovery recorded in 2013 is a trust factor with respect to the future and confirms the more general quality of Italy as source market industry” says Francesco Galietti, new CLIA Italy’s Director.

KEY FIGURES RELEASED BY CLIA EUROPE:

• 6,357,000 Europeans took a cruise in 2013, a new record.

• The number of Europeans booking a cruise has increased by 43% since the economic crisis began in 2008 and has more than doubled since 2005.

• 4 out of 5 Europeans chose a cruise in Europe. The Mediterranean remained the most popular destination.

• The industry in Europe generates 327,000 jobs and €37.9 Billion of economic benefits annually.

• The United Kingdom still leads as the main source market (1,726,000 passengers).

•Germany grew of 9 percent and remains second bigger market in Europe (with 27% market share).

• Italy grew by 4%, with 869,000 Italian passengers booking a cruise in 2013, despite the country’s difficult economic situation.

• France continued to grow steadily at rate of 9% and became fourth largest market in Europe.

• Spain decreased by 18%, reflecting the exceptionally difficult economic situation in this country.

• Insert more specific key findings related to national market.

• Italy grew by 4% to 869,000 Italian citizens who have booked a cruise in 2013, despite the difficult economic situation in the country.

• With the exception of 2012, the annual growth recorded by Italy in the last 5 years has been always well above the European average.

• The Italian market for about 96% of the book focuses on 3 companies, while the Mediterranean is a favorite destination for 83% of Italians.