The cruise industry is an increasingly dominant player in the U.S. tourism sector, according to a recent study from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The newly released CLIA 2018 Economic Impact Analysis found the cruise industry in the U.S. had an economic impact of over $52.7 billion in total contributions in 2018 alone, marking an increase of over 10% since 2016.
The increasing popularity of cruising to and from the United States is evident throughout the report, as is the inextricable correlation between the industry’s growth and its economic impact across the country. Nearly 13 million cruise passengers worldwide embarked from ports in the United States in 2018 — an increase of nearly 9% from 2016.
“There’s no doubting the enormity of the cruise industry’s contributions to the U.S. and global economies. The 2018 Economic Impact Analysis highlights the incredible impact the industry continues to have on American businesses and individuals, as well as the growing popularity of cruising amongst passengers of all nationalities and backgrounds,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA’s president and CEO. “There is simply no better way to experience the world, and the cruise industry is proud to have such a positive impact on the people and communities we visit here in the United States.”
With increased embarkations come increased onshore spending. In 2018, cruise lines, their passengers and crews spent a record $23.96 billion in the United States — a 33% increase since 2010. Additionally, 2018 saw a new peak in the cruise industry’s U.S. expenditures, generating 421,711 jobs across the United States and contributing more than $23.15 billion in wages and salaries, a nearly 13% increase since 2016.
Combined, these numbers reflect the growing consensus that cruising has evolved into a mainstream choice for travelers of all means and backgrounds, as well as a leader in the tourism sector. The cruise industry recognizes with growth comes added responsibility to ensure the destinations we visit remain welcoming and beautiful places to both live in and visit for generations to come.
For more information about the cruise industry, the full 2018 CLIA Economic Impact Analysis and details on the cruise industry’s economic impact in each of the top 10 states, please visit: CLIA 2018 Economic Impact Analysis. https://cruising.org/-/media/research-updates/research/contribution-of-the-international-cruise-industry-to-the-us-economy-2018.pdf
2018 Economic impact by the numbers
- Total U.S. economic impact: The U.S. cruise industry had an economic impact of over $52.7 billion in total 2018 contributions – marking an increase of over 10% since 2016.
- Direct impact: $23.96 billion in direct purchases made by passengers, crew and cruise lines.
- Indirect & induced impact: $28.7 billion in indirect supply purchases and merchant payments, as well as induced economic benefits from cruise line and supplier purchases of consumer goods and services.
- Advancements in embarkation: Nearly 13 million cruise passengers worldwide embarked from ports in the United States in 2018 — an increase of nearly 9% from 2016.
- Increased onshore spending: In 2018, cruise lines, passengers and crew spent a record $23.96 billion in the United States — a 33 percent increase since 2010.
