The second and most comprehensive 2014 Asia Cruise Trends study has revealed the region’s cruise industry is experiencing robust double-digit growth with historic numbers of cruise ships, passengers and ports in the region.
In releasing the findings, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Southeast Asia Chair Ann Sherry said the study revealed exponential double-digit annual growth over the past two years across all areas including the number of ships, sailings, operating days and passenger capacity.
“CLIA Asia commissioned the study to give all stakeholders a compelling overview of cruise industry growth in Asia as an indication of its potential for further expansion,” Ms Sherry said.
“With cruise lines hosting nearly 1.4 million Asian guests last year, a 34 per cent increase in just two years, the global cruise industry has recognised that Asia is quickly becoming a major international market in its own right.
“It is exciting for the first time to know the true size of Asian source markets and to present a stunning picture of the opportunities that cruising presents for the region. The cruise industry is responding by offering more cruises that deliver experiences especially tailored to Asian travellers but are at the same time just as attractive to international travellers wanting to experience Asia’s wide array of fascinating destinations.”
CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the Asia cruise boom was good news for the Australasian region.
“We welcome the continued increase in deployments in the Asian region and the potential opportunities this provides for the Australasian market, both in terms of seasonal deployments and as a source market,” Mr Jardine said.
“With more ships based in the region, Australia and New Zealand will likely see a greater number of ships as well as larger capacity ships, which would require infrastructure investment to take advantage of the growth opportunities.”
For key findings of the report, please see the second page.
As a result of Asia’s rapidly growing cruise tourism market, CLIA established CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia as the regional arms in 2014.
SOURCE CLIA