For the first time, the cruise industry garnered 20.3 million holidaymakers last year. This report came from the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), a unified governing body which represents international cruise operators around the world.
(prHWY.com) February 18, 2013 - Worcestershire, United Kingdom -- This figure grew by almost two million from 2011. Large contributors to this growth are the markets from North America and Europe which exceeded the six million mark. On the other hand, the Brazilian market reached almost 800,000 while the Australian market has a significant increase of 30%. The International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA) targets to cater one million Australians by the year 2020.
According to Christine Duffy, CLIA President and CEO, they are hoping to cater 20.97 million cruise travellers by the end of the year. "The industry is well positioned to continue with this trajectory," she said in a press conference.
Favourite cruise destinations, especially among American and Canadian holidaymakers remain to be the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean. However, the Australasian regions are also gaining popularity among tourists.
Jim Berra, CLIA Marketing Chairman said that they are looking forward to invite more Asian, particularly Chinese cruisers. "By 2020 the Chinese market is projected to be a $7 trillion consumer economy and will have created the largest middle class that ever existed on Earth," Berra said.
More cruise lines and ports of call are now being invested in the Asian markets. Operators are now adding unique itineraries to China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Australia. And, with the growing number of tourists in these areas, newer and bigger ships will soon be catering to these emerging markets.
The cruise industry, however, is not stopping at the Australasian regions. They are also looking forward to lure more holidaymakers and then taking them to exotic destinations such as Morocco, Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, as well as Antarctica. Cruise operators are also looking into adding more entertainment options on board such as Broadway shows with appearances of award-winning actors.
According to a survey done by CLIA, tourists are looking for a trip that will include all members of the family, something that cruises let them experience. More weddings are also seen as potential growth contributors to the industry. And where weddings are, honeymoons are sure to follow.
About Cruise Australia:
www.Cruise.co is a leading provider of cruises and the number one portal to find the most up-to-date and most useful information about the cruise industry. It is an award-winning travel agency recognised by the World Travel Awards since 2008.
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