Organized by CLIA Brasil (Brazilian Maritime Cruise Association), the event brought together travel agents, experts and industry authorities to discuss the prospects and challenges of navigation in South America.
The president of CLIA Brazil, Marco Ferraz, highlighted the importance of the event for the training and strengthening of the industry in the country:
“We already have this event in the United States, Europe and Australia, and I thought it would be important to bring it to Brazil. It was a dream, we managed to do something smaller last year on board ships, but now we have managed to expand it to a hybrid format,” Ferraz highlighted.
South America on the global radar
The cruise sector in South America has seen significant growth, surpassing the one million mark for the first time in the region. In addition, the number of South Americans traveling around the world on board cruise ships has also surpassed one million.
CLIA has been working to strengthen the regional market, with a strategic focus on countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Ecuador. According to Ferraz, this integration is essential for the development of the sector:
“Our goal is not just to bring ships to one country, but to the entire region. A seven-night cruise can visit three countries, so the infrastructure of each destination directly impacts the viability of the operation,” he explained.
Sustainability and innovation
Reducing the carbon footprint is a priority for the industry. Shipping companies have committed to cutting 40% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Investment in new technologies and alternative fuels is at the heart of this process.
More efficient engines, the use of biofuels and electricity in ports are some of the solutions discussed. However, Ferraz stresses that government support is crucial:
“The energy transition requires infrastructure. We need viable alternative fuels, with availability and competitive prices. In addition, ports need to be prepared to provide electricity to ships when they are docked,” he said.
Change in the profile of cruise passengers
The market is also undergoing changes in passenger profiles. One trend that has been observed is the growth of young people and solo travelers. Airlines are already adapting their products, offering smaller cabins and shared areas to meet this new demand.
The average age of cruise passengers in South America varies between 39 and 46 years, depending on the destination. This data reinforces the need for travel agents to take a strategic approach to personalize their offers according to the consumer profile.
Cruise 360 demonstrated that the cruise industry in Brazil and South America is experiencing a promising moment, but challenges such as sustainability and infrastructure still need to be overcome. Commitment to innovation and collaboration between countries will be essential to consolidate the region as a strategic destination in the global cruise market.
The Growth of the Cruise Industry
The cruise sector continues to grow strongly and is consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic in tourism. According to Marco Ferraz, president of CLIA, the industry is registering an annual growth of 6%, with a projection of reaching 36 million passengers in 2024. In Brazil, the numbers are also positive: until the third quarter of 2023, the sector registered a 10% increase compared to the previous year. CLIA currently operates 78 luxury ships and more than 200 river ships, in addition to premium, expedition and contemporary categories. Loyalty is one of the segment's differentiators, with 82% of travelers stating that they would take another cruise. Another relevant fact is the influence of travel consultants on the purchasing decision: 73% of passengers state that professional guidance has a significant impact on their choice. In the field of sustainability, the industry invests in reducing waste and using new fuels, such as biodiesel, ethanol and ammonia, in addition to having advanced water treatment systems, which produce up to 90% of the water used on board.
Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.