CLIA: Cruises Boost Portuguese Economy with €681 Million in Revenue and Attract Increasing Numbers of Domestic Passengers
The cruise sector continues to be one of the most dynamic areas of global tourism, with growing impact in Portugal and a global forecast of 37.7 million passengers by 2025. In 2023, the industry generated €681 million in revenue in Portugal, contributing €322 million to the national GDP and creating over 9,000 jobs, according to data released by CLIA – Cruise Lines International Association. In 2024, Portuguese ports welcomed around 1.85 million passengers, with Lisbon standing out as the busiest, recording over 763,000 passengers. At the same time, the number of Portuguese choosing holidays at sea increased: around 74,000 passengers were of national origin in a sector traditionally dominated by foreign tourists. The Mediterranean leads preferences, followed by the Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda and Northern Europe. The average cruise duration for Portuguese passengers is 8.2 days, with an average age of 47.8 years.
Although it represents only 2% of global tourism, the cruise industry generated an economic impact of €156 billion worldwide in 2023 and €55 billion in Europe, creating 440,000 jobs across the continent. With a global forecast of 37.7 million passengers in 2025, cruises continue to attract new audiences. 31% of travelers over the past two years were first-timers, with Millennials showing particular interest in the variety of destinations and experiences. 82% of passengers express the intention to repeat the experience.
Another highlight is the multigenerational nature of cruise travel, with 28% of passengers traveling with three or more generations of the same family. This diversity translates into a wide range of cruise offerings – from family adventures to cultural and luxury experiences. The cruise industry is characterized by careful planning: 11% of passengers book a year or more in advance.
Sustainability is also one of the industry’s strategic pillars. Over 61% of CLIA’s fleet is already equipped for shore power connection, helping reduce emissions. The goal is to reach 72% by 2028, with additional investment in propulsion technologies and alternative fuels. “The cruise sector continues to grow sustainably and innovate. Its ability to attract new audiences, welcome multigenerational families, and generate local economic benefits demonstrates its value to tourism and the economy,” says Nikos Mertzanidis, Executive Director of CLIA Europe.
Nikos Mertzanidis adds, “Cruises remain one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors in tourism. Our ability to attract new customers, host multigenerational groups, and offer diverse experiences reinforces the vitality of our sector. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, ensuring cruises are a responsible choice for travelers who want to explore the world.”
Trends That Reveal an Attractive Sector:
– First-time cruise passengers drive growth: In the past two years, 31% of passengers were new to cruising, reflecting the sector’s ability to attract new customers.
– Strong intention to cruise again: 82% of people who have taken a cruise wish to do so again. Millennials are among the most enthusiastic, drawn by the diverse offerings and variety of experiences.
– Multigenerational travel: Cruise holidays offer diverse experiences for all ages. One-third of passengers travel in groups of two or more generations, with 28% traveling with three or more generations.
– Diverse offerings: Cruise tourism provides a wide range of holiday options. From family adventures to high-level cultural trips, cruise companies continuously adapt to evolving passenger needs and aspirations.
– Planned tourism: 11% of cruise passengers book their trip a year or more in advance, showcasing how cruise tourism is carefully planned and facilitates effective tourism management.
– An innovative industry investing in the future: The sector is exploring various sustainable alternative energy sources and investing in propulsion technologies with adaptable conversion capabilities to achieve zero-emission navigation. Over 61% of CLIA’s fleet is equipped for shore power connection, a figure expected to reach 72% by 2028.
Although it accounts for just 2% of global travel and tourism, the cruise sector has a significant economic impact, generating €156 billion globally in 2023. In Europe, the cruise industry contributed €55 billion to GDP and secured 440,000 jobs. In Portugal, it generated €681 million in revenue, contributed €322 million to GDP, and created over 9,000 jobs.
Beyond shipbuilding and renovation, the sector’s impact is reinforced by the local benefits of cruise tourism, even before and after the voyage, as nearly 69% of cruise passengers choose to stay at least one night in a hotel, benefiting local economies.
The global cruise industry welcomed 34.6 million passengers in 2024, with a forecast of 37.7 million in 2025. Growth is consolidating among Portuguese travelers choosing to cruise, with around 74,000 passengers of Portuguese origin in 2024.
The most popular destination for Portuguese travelers is the Mediterranean region, followed by the Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda and Northern Europe. The average cruise duration for Portuguese passengers is 8.2 days, and the average age is 47.8 years.
