Published on : Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) President and CEO Christine Duffy today showcased the continued growth and bright future of the cruise industry during her keynote address which opened Cruise Shipping Miami,
the premier annual event of the global cruise industry. Duffy also announced the establishment of CLIA’s 14th cruise association – CLIA Italy – which will further enable the global association to speak more powerfully and act more effectively as one industry with one voice in key markets around the world.
Duffy spotlighted the industry’s robust outlook for 2014, in which CLIA projects 21.7 million global passengers will cruise this year – up from the estimated 21.3 million passengers that cruised in 2013. The 410 ships of CLIA’s 61 member cruise lines represent 95 percent of global cruise line capacity. To meet the growing demand for cruising, 24 new ships will launch by the end of 2015.
She noted the industry continues to expand its’ reach “bringing passengers to the most sought after parts of the world-creating a more dynamic and competitive market for ports and destinations” and through the “expansion of cruising into new and emerging markets.”
Targeting more first-time cruisers will also contribute to the industry’s continued growth. A primary target for cruising is the 95 million-strong Millennials market – those consumers born between 1980 and 2000, who offer “a window into a whole new generation of travelers and provides opportunities for serious growth” as they have a strong desire for travel and shared experiences and represent a significant future market. The industry will also benefit by capitalizing on a number of trends, including its rich technology offerings that keep passengers connected while onboard and its natural appeal to multi-generational travelers, luxury and all-inclusive travelers and active travelers.
Focusing on the 2014 outlook, Duffy also highlighted CLIA’s most recent travel agent survey that shows agents are bullish on cruise bookings, with more than 70 percent expecting sales this year to range from “good” to “excellent
Source:-CLIA
Tags: CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy Highlights Dynamic Growth of Global Cruise Industry at Cruise Shipping Miami, cruise news
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