WTTC’s 'Cruising for Impact' Report Highlights the Positive Impact of Cruise Tourism for Communities Worldwide

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched its latest report,Cruising for Impact, highlighting the positive impact that cruise tourism delivers for communities and destinations around the world.

Global Contribution (2024):
- US$98.5 billion to global GDP.
- US$199 billion in total economic output.
- 1.8 million jobs supported.
- US$60.1 billion in wages delivered.

Direct Spending:
US$93 billion, much of it flowing into local businesses and micro-economies in port destinations.

Job Creation:
For every 20 cruise passengers, one full-time job is supported globally.

Tourism Benefits
- Return Visits: Over 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they first discovered via cruise.
- Integration: More than 1.4 million jobs supported onshore, showing deep ties between cruise tourism and local economies.

Social Value – Seven Core Pillars
1. Job creation & skills development.
2. Diversity & inclusion.
3. Community enrichment.
4. Cultural preservation.
5. Infrastructure development.
6. Environmental innovation.
7. Health & crisis response.

Future Outlook
- Cruise passenger capacity projected to grow 19% between 2022 and 2028.
- WTTC emphasizes integrating cruise tourism into national development strategies, focusing on local sourcing, skills, and partnerships.

Leadership Perspective
Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO:
> “Cruise tourism brings real and lasting positive benefits to communities around the world… connecting people, supporting livelihoods, and creating shared value.”

This report positions cruise tourism not just as leisure travel, but as a driver of inclusive, sustainable growth for coastal communities worldwide.