Speaking at the Madrid International Cruise Summit last week, Pierfrancesco Vago, Clia Europe chairman for the past three years and MSC Cruises executive chairman, made the announcement in spite of current global economic austerity.

Since 2008, the European cruise industry has grown by 49%, and the industry continues to expand each year.

In 2015, 123 cruise ships from 39 cruise lines operated in European waters carrying a total of 6.6 million passengers, an increase of 3% from the previous year.

European ports also saw a 4.5% increase in the number of European passenger embarkations, bringing the total to 6.12 million European passengers.

European cruise travellers account for 28.4% of the global passengers (23.19 million in 2015).

Germany and UK both provided more than 27% of European passengers each, followed by Italy with 12.3%, France with 9.3% and Spain with over 7%. The remaining 19% was shared between the rest of Europe.

Leading European markets by country of embarkation are Italy with 32.7%, followed by Spain with 20.9% and the UK at 17.3%.

As more cruise ships are expected to be delivered to European operators, the cruise market will continue to expand in 2016 and beyond.

Europe’s shipyards have 48 orders to be delivered by 2019 to international cruise lines and 75 by 2026.

Vago said: “Cruising is here to stay as it continues to attract more Europeans and generate economic growth.

“While the cruise industry is ready to continue to expand in Europe, we face a number of common challenges that need to be addressed to make sure the cruise industry is on the right track. We are attentive to that.”

In 2016, Clia said progress is also being made on safety.

“Cruise lines have the flexibility to alter itineraries and avoid specific ports and destinations to maximize the security and safety of passengers and crew,” said Clia in a statement.

“Cruise lines work closely with security experts and authorities to constantly re-assess these risks.

“The ability to continue growing in Europe will also depends on its safety and security.

“Clia’s members and stakeholders are increasing safety measures in all European regions concerned, particularly in the popular mediterranean region.”