China Ranks Third in Global Cruise Passengers Last Year

(Source: Travel Weekly China)

China's cruise passenger numbers rose to 2.1 million in 2016, taking the third position in global passenger rankings for the year, according to data from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

The German cruise market remained in second place with 2.02 million customers and the first place was held by the US at 11.52 million.

The global cruise market reached 24.7 million, surpassing the 24.2 million predictions for 2016.

CLIA added that the industry’s growth can be attributed to the continuing development of the Asian market, especially China, with ocean capacity in the region rising to 9.2% in 2016, 38% more overall than in 2015.

For 2017 CLIA is predicting another positive year with passenger numbers forecast to reach 25.8 million globally.

The Caribbean was the top destination at 35% followed by the Mediterranean at 18% and the rest of Europe at 11%.