Page 151 - Introduction to Tourism

monitors legislation; sponsors seminars on safety,

regulatory issues, and management; compiles

statistics; and offers insurance plans.

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) states

that cruising is currently the fastest - growing segment
of the travel industry. It is experiencing a surge of

growth in passengers, ships, and ship passenger

capacity. Cruise lines are expanding their fleets and

adding new amenities and new ports of call. As with
other sectors of travel suppliers, a great deal of

consolidation is taking place.

Since 1980, the industry has had an average annual
growth rate of about 8.0 percent.

In 1980, 1.43 million passengers cruised; in 2006, a

new record was set with 12.1 million passengers . The
average length of a cruise in 2006 was 7.0 days. CLIA

estimates that a record 12.6 million passengers will

take a cruise in 2007. The increase in travelers
choosing to cruise in 2007 is supported by the

introduction of twelve new ships adding 22,039 beds to

the fleet. CLIA member lines have invested more than
$23 billion in forty new vessels that will enter service

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