C R U I S E I N D U S T R Y S U M M I T

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About the Summit

Cruise Industry Summit Africa

Is at the forefront of transforming the cruise and hospitality industry across the continent. With a sharp focus on vital investments in cruise tourism, hotel developments, port infrastructure, marina facilities, and sustainability initiatives, this summit is poised to unite investors, visionary leaders, policymakers, and key decision-makers from the global cruise industry. Together, we can chart a bold new course for Africa's cruise sector. This summit isn’t just an event; it's a crucial gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders, all dedicated to collaboration and the exchange of transformative ideas. By participating, you're joining a collective effort to ensure that Africa's cruise industry not only thrives but also innovates and generates lasting economic and social benefits across the continent. Let's work together to unlock the tremendous potential of Africa's cruise tourism and hospitality landscape!

Thematic Areas

The Summit is the continent’s flagship platform dedicated to transforming Africa’s 30,000 km of coastline into vibrant cruise tourism destinations. Hosted by MSC Cruise, this summit unites government leaders, cruise operators, investors, and sustainability experts to chart the future of Africa’s Blue Economy. The key thematic areas include:

HOSPITALITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION

SUSTAINABILITY

SOUND POLICYMAKING

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Insights

According to the 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook report:

The global cruise industry welcomed 34.6 million cruise passengers in 2024, with 37.7 million expected in 2025.

North America remains the top source market for cruise, with a 13% increase in 2024 over 2023.

In 2024, Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda itineraries remained the most popular, with 43% of all cruise passengers sailing to the Caribbean in 2024, followed by the Mediterranean and other European destinations.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member lines will welcome 11 new ships to the global fleet in 2025; 56 new CLIA member ocean-going ships are on order from 2025-2036, representing a $56.8 billion investment and proof of the confidence in cruising's future.

In addition, the cruise industry's impact benefits communities around the world through local sourcing of goods and services, and spending before and after each cruise as 69% of passengers stay one or more nights in a hotel.

Additionally, 6 in 10 cruisers return to a destination they first visited by cruise, extending the economic impact of cruising to communities well into the future.

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Topics

  • Global Cruise Industry Thought-leadership Insights
  • Investments, Project Financing and Market Outlook
  • Marine, Port and Cruise Technology Trends and Insights
  • River and Niche Cruise Development Trends and Opportunities
  • Cruise Industry Infrastructure Development Insights and Case Studies
  • Sustainability, Regulation and ESG Strategies
  • Land Guest Experience and Entertainment Business Opportunities
  • Onboard Innovation Trends
  • Cruise Supplier Value Chain Development
  • Strategic Business Development Linkages and Partnerships
  • Expedition and Adventure Cruising Trends
  • Cruise Industry Retail
  • Career Development in Cruise