Tourexpi
The
cruise industry is riding a wave of growth driven largely by younger travelers,
as Millennials and Gen Xers now make up almost half of all passengers, Kelly
Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
told Anadolu.
The
dramatic shift in traveler demographics is driving a surge in demand and
helping the industry recover and surpass pre-coronavirus pandemic levels,
Craighead said.
"Today,
nearly 30% of guests are first-time cruisers and the average age of a cruise
guest is now just 46 years," Craighead said, highlighting the hike in
younger passengers, particularly from Generation X and Millennials.
She
noted that many new-to-cruise guests are drawn by the diversity of experiences
offered, from onboard entertainment to exciting shore excursions.
The
influx of younger travelers has had a ripple effect on the types of experiences
cruise lines offer as younger passengers prioritize experiences over material
possessions.
Cruise
lines respond by providing a wide range of activities on board and at each
destination, Craighead stressed. Whether it is culinary experiences, cultural
explorations or wellness offerings, the onboard and shore-based experiences are
key to meeting the demands of today’s cruisers.
Highlighting
that the industry is also seeing a significant rise in multi-generational
family travel, Craighead said one-third of guests travel with at least two
generations and 28% sail in groups of three to five generations.
"Among
all demographics, value and the diversity of destination experiences continue
to be the top reasons travelers choose a holiday at sea," she said.
In
2023, the global cruise industry hit a record 31.7 million passengers and the
figure is projected to grow to 34.1 million by the end of 2024.
The
post-pandemic recovery highlights the resilience of the industry, which has
implemented strict health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable
experience for all passengers, Craighead explained.
"The
cruise industry has demonstrated its resilience over more than 50
years—consistently rebounding faster from downturns that are part of the
world’s economy. This held true in 2023 when cruise returned to and exceeded
2019 passenger levels by about 7%," she said.
In
addition to new demographics and a rebound in traveler numbers, the industry is
making significant economic contributions worldwide. The industry generates
more than $154 billion annually and supports 1.2 million jobs globally.
Craighead
highlighted the value that cruise passengers bring to local economies, noting
that 75% of cruise activities occur onshore, boosting tourism and creating jobs
in port cities.
Pointing
out that cruise travel often has lasting effects beyond the immediate economic
effect, Craighead said 60% of travelers return to a destination they first
visited on a cruise, further boosting tourism in those areas.
She
noted that the future of cruising looks bright, particularly in growing markets
like the Mediterranean and that Türkiye is set to expand its role in the
European cruise market, which accounts for about 3% of the region’s passengers.
Investments
in sustainable infrastructure and port development are expected to help drive
the growth of Türkiye's cruise lines.
As
the cruise industry continues to evolve, it faces challenges, particularly
around sustainability.
Cruise
lines are committed to pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050 and are investing
billions in new ships and engine technologies as part of that vision, which is
also aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s ambitions, she
said.
Craighead
highlighted that newer ships are 20% more efficient than their predecessors,
with many already testing advanced biofuels, synthetic fuels and other green
technologies.
Image
Credit: © AA
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