/EINPresswire.com/ -- WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - June 02, 2016) -  Today, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2015 ocean cruise passenger projections and has increased passenger expectations for 2016 -- a sign the industry is stronger than ever. CLIA unveiled the new insights at the 2016 Cruise360 Conference opening General Session, the largest and official conference of the cruise industry.

The industry reported a total of 23.2 million passengers on ocean cruises globally in 2015, up from a projection of the 23 million, and a 4-percent increase over 2014. As a result of steady year-over-year increases, CLIA has modified 2016 expectations and is now predicting 24.2 million travelers will set sail on ocean cruises around the world.

"The success in 2015 demonstrates the cruise industry's continued strength in the overall travel sector," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. "This is a direct result of the amazing work and commitment of our community of Cruise Lines, Executive Partners and Travel Agencies and Agents. Plus, with the highest satisfaction rates among all leisure travel segments, it reflects that a cruise vacation is the vacation of choice for travelers around the world."

Much of the industry's growth can be attributed to emerging regions of the world. In 2015, Asia experienced the most growth year over year in ocean cruise passengers with another impressive 24 percent increase* from 2014 to 2015, with a total of more than 2 million ocean cruise passengers in 2015. While Asia continues to see record growth in the cruise industry, Australia is not far behind. The region, which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, experienced an incredible 14-percent increase in ocean cruise passengers from 2014 to 2015. Last year, a total of more than 1.1 million ocean cruise travelers originated in Australia.

When looking at the travel industry, cruise travel has astonishing long-term growth potential since it represents only two percent of the total leisure travel market, has the highest satisfaction rates among global travellers and is growing in popularity. In fact, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in the decade between 2004 and 2014, global cruise vacations have grown faster in popularity than land-based vacations by a 20-percent margin.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA's mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

*These numbers from the 2014 Asia Cruise Trends have been updated to reflect new findings.

CONTACT:
Sarah Kennedy
Manager, Public Relations & Marketing
202-759-9313
skennedy@cruising.org