A different kind of cruise: Over ten years ago we set out to make traveling by ship a real experience. Today we enjoy a leading position in the German and European markets.
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Fresh wind in our sails and a successful future ahead
Innovative concept, high profile
Fun-loving, sociable and memorable... Forget the dress code and the fixed seating arrangements – guests on board our ships can look forward to a relaxed atmosphere. This concept has brought the classic cruise into the twenty-first century – and today we are delighted with its success. In Germany, 45.7 million people, in other words more than 70% of the population aged over 14, recognize the AIDA brand. This finding was confirmed by a representative market analysis carried our by the “Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen” market research association in 2011. That makes us the fourth best-known brand in the tourism sector, and by far the best-known name in the German cruise industry. Almost 12 million people in Germany, or 18% of interviewees, would like to go on vacation with us.
Michael Thamm, CEO Costa Group, was awarded the “North European Cruise Personality of the Year 2011” for developing one of the most valuable brands in Europe. This industry award was presented by Seatrade Communications Ltd.
Growth markets: Germany and Europe
With over 584,000 passengers in the last fiscal year, we are one of the leading cruise operators in Europe. As well as our core market in Germany, we are also active in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. In Germany in particular, we once again enjoyed enthusiastic interest in cruises in 2011. The Deutsche ReiseVerband (DRV, German Travel Association) has announced that within the German tourism industry, the cruise segment is once again one of those enjoying the healthiest growth. Ocean cruise operators have generated revenue of over € 2 billion. And the number of guests on board has further increased: In 2011, more than 1.38 million passengers booked a cruise. This represents a significant increase of 13.8% on the previous year.
The trend in the European market has been similarly positive in 2011. Despite the economic downturn, according to the European Cruise Council (ECC) 6 million cruise passengers began their cruise in Europe, an increase of 9 % from 2010. Europe’s biggest market continues to be Great Britain with around 1.7 million passengers.
The outlook is also good for 2012. A representative study by the Forschungsgemeinschaft Urlaub und Reisen e.V. (vacation and travel research association) found that Germans are going to invest even more time and money in their vacation – despite the currently unpredictable economic climate. We believe that this trend will also benefit the cruise industry. To date, 1.5% of the German population has booked a cruise. In the coming years, we therefore expect a sustainably high level of growth of between 10 and 15%.
AIDA Cruises: Company structure
Our ships sail under a European flag. AIDA Cruises has been a 100% subsidiary of Costa Crociere S.p.A since 2004 and as such belongs to the British-American owned Carnival Corporation & plc. With a total of 100 ships, it is without a doubt the number one cruise operator. Between December 2010 and the end of November 2011, its revenue increased by 9% to reach € 12.1 billion. Its net profit was € 1.5bn and was thus just 3.3% less than the previous year. The group welcomed 9.6 million guests, thus using 106.2% of its capacity.
With great success comes great responsibility. Our parent company is aware of this – and aligns its behavior with the principles of sustainability. Proof of this is the fact that Carnival Corporation & plc. is listed not only on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 100) and the New York Stock Exchange (S&P 500), but also on the FTSE4Good Global Index. This index series is owned by the Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange. It only includes companies which specifically commit to sustainable protection of the environment, endeavor to engage in dialog with their interest groups, and respect and support human rights.
The cruise ship brands which are part of the Carnival group do not publish their financial figures individually. Instead they are consolidated into the Carnival group’s overall financial statement.
Senior management at AIDA Cruises comprises Michael Ungerer (President) and Paul Soulsby (Senior Vice President & CFO). Members of management are remunerated according to their responsibilities and performance.
