Asia – Cruising’s next frontier
In an age of global deployment, Asia is set to emerge as the next major growth area, not only by providing new destinations for passengers in the west, but also by becoming a source of cruisers.
With a population of almost 4bn, Asia stretches from Turkey in the west to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsular in the east and beyond, spanning 11 time zones from one end to the other. Fold in Asia Pacific as well, and in area, it is almost double the size of all the leading cruise theatres put together.
Asia has traditionally been a seasonal cruise market running from September to April, with operators looking to base their ships elsewhere during the European winter. Exotic Asian ports are also a popular draw on round the world voyages which are currently experiencing a renaissance. Deployment of dedicated vessels in the region is driving growth and sustainability.
Whilst there appears to be no single key to success in opening up Asia, both port infrastructure and educating the local consumer markets are going to be high on the agenda in the quest to unlock its huge potential.
The Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention will feature a two-day conference where a cross section of stakeholders will come together to look at this emerging cruise market to discuss how its huge potential can be realised, whilst examining the needs of the cruise ships operating in the region, from supply to ship repair and discussing Asia’s future potential in cruise ship building and conversion.
Accompanying the conference will be a three-day exhibition for the trade (23-24 October) and the general public (25 October). Ports, destinations, tourist boards, cruise ship suppliers and shipbuilders will be showcasing their latest offerings in the brand new, state of the art Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal.
International cruise and travel retailers will also have the opportunity to take part in a one-day training seminar designed to increase their awareness of the cruise market, whilst providing them with the unrivalled opportunity to meet cruise lines and destinations on the exhibition floor.
