The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released its latest report, Cruising for Impact, outlining the significant economic and social contributions of cruise tourism to destinations and communities worldwide.
According to the report, cruise tourism generated US$98.5 billion in global GDP and US$199 billion in total economic output in 2024. The sector supported 1.8 million jobs globally and delivered US$60.1 billion in wages, underscoring its scale and importance within the global tourism ecosystem.
Drawing on data from Cruise Lines International Association, the report highlights that more than 60 per cent of cruise passengers return to destinations they first experienced via cruise, reinforcing the sector’s role in driving repeat visitation and sustained tourism demand.
The findings also indicate strong integration with local economies, with over 1.4 million jobs supported onshore. WTTC noted that for every 20 cruise passengers, one full-time job is created globally, directly linking visitor demand to employment opportunities across destinations.
The report estimates US$93 billion in direct cruise-related spending, much of which benefits local businesses, including small enterprises and tourism-driven micro-economies in port and coastal regions.
Through seven key pillars, the report outlines the broader impact of cruise tourism, including job creation, skills development, diversity and inclusion, community enrichment, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, environmental innovation, and crisis response.
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, WTTC, said, “Cruise tourism brings real and lasting positive benefits to communities around the world. When travellers discover a destination through cruising and choose to return, they create ongoing opportunities for local businesses, support jobs, and contribute to the long-term vitality of those communities. This report highlights the powerful positive impact of cruise tourism, showing how it connects people, supports livelihoods, and creates shared value for destinations around the world.”
WTTC emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments, destinations and industry stakeholders to ensure cruise tourism is integrated into national development strategies, with a focus on sustainability, local sourcing and community partnerships.
The report further read, “With cruise passenger capacity projected to grow by 19 per cent between 2022 and 2028, the sector is expected to play an even greater role in supporting communities and destinations worldwide.”
