New data reveals the contribution made by the cruise industry to the UK economy has risen significantly.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), the industry's direct contribution to the UK economy grew by 6.5 per cent to £2.54 billion last year from £2.38 billion in 2012. This puts it in second place among the European economies, Travel Weekly reports.

The sector's contribution to the combined economies of Europe grew by 4.7 per cent to £13.2 billion in 2013, the study reveals.

Over a fifth of all the jobs provided by the industry are in the UK, where more people are employed by cruise liners than in any other European country.

The number of British and overseas passengers joining their cruise at a UK port rose above 1 million for the first time in 2013, increasing by eight per cent to 1,062,000.

Clia Europe chairman Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC Cruises) said: "The positive results achieved this year reaffirm Europe’s position as a dynamic hub at the core of the global cruise industry."