The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released its latest report on the cruise industry, as highlighted by Cuban researcher José Luís Perelló.
In his regular analysis shared via Facebook, the expert discussed the findings of the report, titled Cruising with Impact, which underscores the positive influence that cruise tourism exerts on communities and destinations worldwide.
According to the study, cruise tourism acts as a powerful catalyst for opportunity, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening community ties, and generating long-term value for coastal and port regions.
In addition to these qualitative benefits, the sector’s economic footprint is substantial: it contributed $98.5 billion to global GDP and generated $199 billion in total economic output. Furthermore, the industry sustained 1.8 million jobs and accounted for $60.1 billion in total wages—data that Perelló cites as clear evidence of the sector’s global scale and reach.
A key finding, based on data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), reveals that over 60% of cruise passengers eventually return to destinations they first discovered through a cruise. This highlights the sector's ability not only to introduce travelers to new locations but also to drive sustained, long-term tourism demand and ongoing benefits for local communities.
The report also emphasizes the deep integration of cruise tourism with local economies, noting that more than 1.4 million land-based jobs have been created as a result of the industry. Moreover, it indicates that for every 20 cruise passengers, one full-time job is generated globally, directly linking tourism demand to the livelihoods of people across various destinations.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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