23 AUG: New data paints an impressive picture of the North American cruise industry (See link to a detailed report at the end of this story).
Cruise lines, their staff and passengers generated more than $US35 billion in gross output last year, according to a report produced for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), US equivalent of the Sydney-based International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA).
The CLIA report shows that the industry supports nearly 314,000 jobs, paying $US14.23 billion in wages and salaries.
Direct cruise spending is worth $US17.15 billion.
CLIA president and ceo Terry Dale says last year was tough for everyone, but cruise lines have been reporting strong activity so far in 2010.
"We are encouraged, not only by signs that a turnaround is in progress, but also by the industry’s history of out-performing other tourism sectors - and even the national economy", he said.
The report reflects widespread discounting by lines during the global financial crisis.
Though capacity rose nearly 4% and there was higher utilisation (load factors), total gross revenue slumped 11.4%.
