Southeast Asia, thanks to a partnership with Singapore Tourism Board, was added to the 2024 CLIA Economic Impact Study project, providing insights into the region for the first time as part of the ongoing global analysis.
Southeast Asia benefited from total cruise-linked spending of $5.6 billion in 2024, 6% of the global total. Driven by the high proportion of staff in the global cruise industry residing in Southeast Asia, cruise line staff wages accounted for the highest share, at 38%, of Southeast Asia’s cruise-linked spending, notably above the global average of 10%.
In total, cruise activity in 2024 in Southeast Asia generated total impacts of $10 billion USD (5% of global impacts from cruise activity), and produced $4.5 billion USD in contribution to GDP. Highlighting the region as a significant job creator, the cruise industry in Southeast Asia supported 529,000 jobs, filling roles on shore and shipboard all over the world.