CLIA has today (12 December) released its 2020 State of the Industry outlook report.

The report reveals the industry’s $22 billion investment in developing new energy-efficient technologies, partnerships with local governments and reducing carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 compared to 2008.

This includes the use of new fuel practices, with 44 per cent of new-build ships relying on LNG (liquified natural gas) fuel for primary propulsion.

“While demand for cruising has reached new heights, the cruise industry is accelerating our efforts to be a leader in responsible tourism,” said president and CEO of CLIA Kelly Craighead. “Our members are at the forefront of best practices designed to protect the sanctity of the destinations we visit and enhance the experiences of travellers and residents alike.”

Cruising sustained 1,177,000 jobs equaling $50.24 billion in wages and salaries and $150 billion total output worldwide in 2018.

The new data released by the leading cruise association also shows that 32 million passengers are expected to sail in 2020. To meet the demand, CLIA Cruise Lines is due to debut 19 new ocean ships in the upcoming year, including Celebrity Apex, Silver Moon and Scarlet Lady.

According to the newly-released CLIA 2018 Global Economic Impact Analysis, cruise passengers are likely to contribute to positive economic progress in communities around the world, spending $276 in port cities before their cruise and $101 in each port during the cruise.

Other trends highlighted in the report include the rise in cruise-and-stay holidays, with 65 per cent of cruise passengers spending a few extra days at embarkation or debarkation ports.

Solo cruising continues to grow in popularity as marriage rates decline and the number of single adults rises. Cruise lines will therefore be offering more studio cabins, single-friendly activities, and eliminating single supplements to meet this shift in passenger demographics.

‘Micro travel’ is expected to be a big trend in 2020, with time-poor travellers increasingly looking for quick trips, along with passengers becoming more sustainable. The study found that more than eight of 10 cruise passengers recycle (82 per cent) and reduce using single-use plastics (80 per cent) while travelling.

The report also stresses how the overall attitude about cruising is changing, no matter the generation. More than 66 per cent of Generation X and 71 per cent of millennials have a more positive attitude about cruising compared to two years ago.

“The industry’s economic impact is a big part of the story, especially as it relates to our passengers’ contributions to local economies and the diverse workforce onboard our ships,” continued Craighead.

“We recognise that with growth comes increased responsibility to raise the bar in all aspects of what we do to ensure cruising remains a force for good and the best way to experience the world.”

Visit cruiseexperts.org for the full report.