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UK and Irish cruise industry surpasses two million passengers for first time

cruise, CLIA, Andy Harmer, Cruise forum, UK cruise,
photo_camera CLIA Cruise Forum 2018. De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel. December 19th 2018. Photo by Steve Dunlop [email protected] www.stevedunlop.com +447762084057

CLIA has revealed that the number of ocean cruises taken by UK and Irish passengers has hit more than two million for the first time.

A total of 2,009,000 took a cruise in 2018, surpassing the two million mark a year earlier than predicted and representing a two per cent increase from 2017, according to the CLIA Cruise Review report.

CLIA’s UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer called it a “significant milestone”, adding: “It illustrates how cruise has become a major player within the UK and Ireland travel sector.

“As only the second European market to reach over two million cruises and the fourth globally, this figure demonstrates the continued strength of cruising as a mainstream holiday choice in the UK and Ireland and is a testament to the industry’s resilience to economic and political changes.”

Globally, there was a seven per cent increase from 2017 to 2018, up to 28.5 million passengers.

From a European perspective, numbers grew by 3.3 per cent, to 7.17 million. The central and western Mediterranean region remains the number one destination for European passengers, with growth of 1.2 per cent, equivalent to 2.27 million passengers.

Northern Europe saw passengers grow by 4.8 per cent, to 1.43 million, while the Canary Islands was up 9.6 per cent and the Baltics by nine per cent.

Harmer added: “The water around and below us, the air above us, the communities around us, the people who work for us; all are critical factors when it comes to planning sustainable growth strategy for the cruise industry. With opportunity comes responsibility and we are working as an industry to meet those responsibilities.

“CLIA and its members are wholly committed to continuing the responsible growth trajectory for the cruise industry. Sustainability lies at the heart of all we do and no industry has a stronger interest in protecting oceans and destinations.”

CLIA is holding its annual conference in May, focusing on the next generation of cruising. The industry body is also hosting a luxury and expedition showcase later in the year.

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