The International Council of Cruise Lines (
The International Council of Cruise Lines (
Despite the tremendously challenging environment faced by the travel leisure industry during 2001 due to a recession and the tragic events of September 11, the North American cruise industry maintained its strong growth and expanded its economic impact. The cruise industry increased its global passenger carryings by five percent to 8.4 million passengers and increased direct spending by the cruise lines and their passengers by six percent to $11 billion.
The cruise industry proved its resiliency and determination to succeed in 2001, said Michael Crye, president of the ICCL. The industry reacted quickly to the events of September 11 by moving ships to new ports of call `closer to home` and implementing the highest security measures. Our travel agent partners rolled up their sleeves and sold our product at a record pace. These steps allowed the cruise industry to recover much more quickly than other travel sector industries.
Overall benefits of the North American cruise industry to the U.S. Economy in 2001
- $20 billion — Total economic impact of the cruise industry in the
United States - $11 billion — Direct spending of the cruise lines and their passengers
on U.S. goods and services. - 267,762 — Total U.S. jobs generated by these expenditures
- $9.7 billion — Total wages generated for U.S. employees
Industries most benefited by cruise line spending:
- Business Services $2.2 billion
- Airline Transportation $2.1 billion
- Financial Services $2.0 billion
- Transportation Services $1.8 billion
- Energy$1.4 billion
The cruise industry impacted the economies of all 50 states. Expenditures range from food and beverage purchases, ship maintenance, travel agent commissions, airfares and port fees. Ten states accounted for 79 percent of the direct vendor purchases of the North American cruise industry. These states included: Florida, California, New York, Alaska, Washington, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The cruise industry is continuing its commitment to growth by its capital investment in new and exciting ships, providing cruisers with more options than ever before, said Crye. ICCL member lines are expected to bring 35 new ships into the fleet at a cost of approximately $12 between 2001 and 2005.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
