South-east Asia’s cruise industry generated US$10 billion (S$12.9 billion) in total economic output in 2024, accounting for five per cent of global cruise industry output, according to a new study.
The region recorded 3.9 million cruise passenger visits, representing two per cent of the global total of 186 million, while delivering US$2,564 in output per passenger, around 2.4 times the global average.
The findings come from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries, produced by Tourism Economics for the Cruise Lines International Association in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board.
The study estimates that cruise tourism contributed US$4.5 billion to regional GDP, equivalent to five per cent of global cruise-related GDP. The sector supported around 530,000 jobs, accounting for 30 per cent of global cruise-generated employment, and paid US$4.1 billion in wages, or seven per cent of the global total.
Passenger data also points to sustained demand, with 85 per cent of travellers reporting positive experiences in South-east Asia and 47 per cent expressing intent to return for land-based travel.
The findings indicate the sector’s role in supporting employment, income and wider tourism activity across the region.
