Cruise Industry Provides 12.5K Jobs in Baltic

The cruise industry in the Baltic Sea does more than provide rest and unique excursions for thousands of cruise guests, it also supports over 12,500 jobs in the region, according to a new study.

More people than ever before are cruising in the Baltic Sea, and that is showing on the positive economic impact in the region. According to a new Economic Impact Study, the cruise industry generated a total output of EUR 1.5 billion in 2018, which supported exactly 12,595 total jobs in the Baltic region.

Of the EUR 1.5 billion, EUR 681 million were directly generated by cruise guests, crew and cruise line spending. The study also shows that the cruise guests account for approximately 60 percent of all spending in the Baltic region (EUR 407.3 of the total of EUR 681).

“The Baltic Sea is a vibrant hub for cruising and has set records in both calls, turnarounds and cruise numbers in 2018. This all translates into substantial economic benefits for the region. The new study shows terrific numbers for the region and we are very proud to be working in an industry that has such a positive impact on the local economy,” says Claus Bødker, Director of Cruise Baltic.

Bødker emphasizes that the records in cruise guests and thus the economic benefits are first and foremost caused by Cruise Baltic's high cruise guest satisfaction rates.

“The Baltic region's past and future is tightly woven into the present day, which make the region truly unique and popular among cruise guests. Together with our destination partners, we work every day to keep our high guest satisfaction rates and offer memorable experiences to attract more cruise guests, which contribute to significant economic benefits for the region. Fortunately, everything indicates that the number of cruise guests with continue to increase in 2019,” says Claus Bødker.

The Economic Impact Study is based on data collected and estimates for the 29 ports in ten countries which comprise Cruise Baltic. Three ports in Kiel, Riga and St. Petersburg, which are technically not part of Cruise Baltic, are also included in the study to provide a complete picture of the region. The Economic Impact Study was undertaken by G.P. Wild.