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The number of UK passengers taking a river cruise rose by 6% or 8,000 last year to reach 139,400.
The figure is expected to continue to rise in 2015 with the introduction of 16 river vessels by Clia UK & Ireland members alone.
The 2014 figures released today (Tuesday) come ahead of the organisation’s first River Cruise Weekend on March 26-30, designed to further boost the popularity of the sector.
Europe remains by far the most popular region, accounting for 86% of all UK river cruise passengers.
The River Danube’s popularity continued to soar, growing 41%, while cruises on the Danube and Rhine rivers grew 37%.
Numbers taking cruises on Russia’s rivers grew by 15%, while those sailing further afield on rivers such as the Mekong were up 55%. Rivers in India, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, saw numbers increase by 24%.
Clia UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer, said: “With the continued investment in new, more innovative ships and the ever-increasing choice and diversity of itineraries in Europe and further afield, it’s no surprise that more UK passengers than ever are opting for river cruises as their holiday choice.”