As many as 32 million passengers are expected to set sail on a cruise in 2020, according to the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2020 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report released Thursday.
The report also found that cruising sustained nearly 1,177,000 jobs equaling $50.24 billion in wages and salaries and a total worldwide output of $150 billion in 2018.
"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," CLIA president and CEO, Kelly Craighead said in a statement accompanying Thursday's report. "We recognize 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."
The report also highlights the industry's efforts to ensure it operates responsibly, noting the cruise sector's $22 billion investment in the development of new energy-efficient technologies, partnerships with local governments and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 40 percent compared to 2008 by the year 2030.
The study also found that more than eight out of 10 passengers recycle (82 percent) or reduce using single-use plastics (80 percent) during travel while seven out of 10 cruisers also forego plastic straws during their trip.
"While demand for cruising has reached new heights, the cruise industry is accelerating our efforts to be a leader in responsible tourism," added 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 travelers and residents alike."
CLIA member cruise lines are expected to introduce 19 new ocean vessels over the next year, bringing the total of CLIA cruise line ocean ships in operation to 278 by the end of 2020.
Meanwhile, the recent CLIA 2018 Global Economic Impact Analysis details a promisingly positive economic impact, more specifically that passengers spend an average of $376 in port cities before boarding a cruise and another $101 in each visiting port destination during their cruise.
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