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www.marinelink.com 13The North American cruise industry continued to be a substantial contributor to the U.S. economy in 2012 according to an independent study commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The study shows that CLIA?s 26 North American member lines and their passengers and crew contributed more than $42B in total U.S. economic impact, a 4.6% increase from 2011. In addition, the cruise industry generated 356,311 jobs, paying a record $17.4B in wages to American workers. After a strong rebound in 2010 and 2011 from the recession induced impacts of 2009, the North American cruise in- dustry continued to expand in 2012. According to the study, CLIA?s North American member cruise lines carried a record 16.95 million passengers on cruises worldwide in 2012, a 3.8%in-crease from the previous year. More than 10 million passengers embarked on their cruises at U.S. ports ? another all-time high ? delivering signiÞ cant economic beneÞ ts to local and port communi- ties nationwide. ?The cruise industry is a growing contributor to our nation?s economy and the economic beneÞ ts of cruising go beyond port communities as all 50 states beneÞ t from the cruise in- dustry?s direct and indirect spending,? said Christine Duffy, CLIA?s president and CEO. ?Various businesses nation- wide contribute products and services that are integral to the cruise experience. The study demonstrates that cruising, aside from being a fun and affordable vacation option, continues to spur U.S. economic growth.??The State of the North American Cruise Industry in 2012? was prepared for CLIA by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) of Exton, Pennsylvania. Total economic impact on the U.S. economy grew by 4.6% to $42.3B in 2012, with direct spending by the cruise industry growing by 4% to $19.6B. During 2012, CLIA?s North American cruise line members carried nearly 17 million passengers on cruises around the globe. This represented a 3.8% increase from the previous year. An estimated 10.1 million cruise pas- sengers embarked on their cruises at U.S. ports, accounting for 59% of the CLIA North America member cruise line global embarkations and representing a 2.5% increase from 2011. Naturally, Florida remains the number one state in cruising, as Florida ports handled approximately 6.1 million em-barkations and accounted for 60% of all U.S. cruise embarkations in 2012.Talleres Navales del Golfo Islote San Juan de Ulúa s/n91800, Veracruz, Ver. México. Tel: (52) 229 9892500 Fax: (52) 229 [email protected] A WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCED SHIPYARD WITH INTEGRAL SERVICES ??Repair and maintenance of ships, machinery, equipment and engines??Repair and maintenance of jack-up and semisubmersible platforms ??Fabrication of offshore modules and components, fabrication and assembly of all types of light and heavy steel structures??Conversion, upgrading and life extension of ships and offshore unitsServicesTALLERES NAVALES !")¿$,)#,¿?1+$?¿&0¿ A GLOBAL COMPANY WHICH BEGAN ITS OPERATIONS IN 1995. CURRENTLY OFFERS INTEGRAL FABRICATION AND SHIP REPAIR SERVICES. Study: U.S. Economy Gained $42B from Cruise Industry Photo: CarnivalMR #9 (10-17).indd 13MR #9 (10-17).indd 139/5/2013 10:11:01 AM9/5/2013 10:11:01 AM