US-based Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has predicted that the cruise market will rise faster than expected in 2016 with 24.2 million people to take an ocean cruise, beating previous forecasts.
During the 2016 Cruise360 conference in Vancouver, Canada, CLIA unveiled the new insights noting that much of the industry’s growth can be attributed to emerging regions of the world.CLIA president and chief executive Cindy D’Aoust said: “The success in 2015 demonstrates the cruise industry’s continued strength in the overall travel sector.
“This is a direct result of the amazing work and commitment of our community of cruise lines, executive partners and travel agencies and agents. With the highest satisfaction rates among all leisure travel segments, it reflects that a cruise holiday is the holiday of choice for travellers around the world.”
The industry reported a total of 23.2 million passengers on ocean cruises globally in 2015, up from a projection of the 23 million, and a 4-percent increase over 2014. As a result of steady year-over-year increases, CLIA has modified 2016 expectations and is now predicting 24.2 million travelers will set sail on ocean cruises around the world.
Much of the growth in global cruise numbers is being fuelled by the Asian market which saw a 24% rise in passengers in 2015 to more than two million ocean cruise travellers.
Source: CLIA
