Vacation Of Choice

According to new research from both the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruise travel is becoming the vacation of choice around the world and is quickly outpacing leisure or land-based travel.

The UNWTO’s research reveals that in the last decade – 2004 to 2014 – global cruise vacations have grown faster in popularity than global land-based vacations by a 23% margin.

And in its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, CLIA reported that the industry is showing no signs of slowing down with 24 million passengers expected to sail in 2016, up from 23 million in 2015.

As well, travel agents are predicting a higher demand for cruise travel. Eight out of 10 CLIA Travel Agent Members stated they are expecting an increase in cruise sales in 2016 over last year.

Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA’s acting CEO, commented: “Cruise lines are constantly updating their offerings and providing almost unlimited itinerary options for travelers so it comes as no surprise that cruise travel is outpacing alternative vacation experiences,” said. “A cruise vacation delivers amazing experiences in locations around the world at a tremendous value.”

As for the reasons for cruising’s popularity, CLIA points to the variety of cruises available; best “bang for your buck;” the river cruising experience; ability to customize a cruise; and lots more.

For more, sail on over to http://www.cruising.org .