Northstar

FEATURE | CRUISE 34 Jul-Aug 2017 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM Full steam ahead "The rising trend in planners looking to book cruises is no surprise, and the number of MICE groups and planners booking cruise travel will most likely continue to grow. Booking a single cruise can serve as both business and leisure for attendees, and each cruise can be specically tailored to a particular group's needs, creating a relatively turn-key planning experience," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. Organising a cruise incentive trip seems to pay o in more ways than one for corporate planners, freeing up time spent on logistical processes and ensuring that delegates are more engaged with on-board activities. The convenience of having meals, accommodation and activities all on board resonate well with planners, while delegates enjoy ample time for their own activities. Shore excursions also add appeal to the varied interests of delegates. From a DMC perspective, cruises for MICE groups provide a demand for their services. "Whether it involves shore excursions or creating events and experiences on land, a DMC will be required to provide their expertise," said Laurent Kuenzle, CEO, Asian Trails. He said that a cruise adds more mileage to the success of an event, "I think the actual travelling is the key success factor besides the facilities, food and entertainment on board the ship. Participants are able to enjoy several highlights in one journey." Kuenzle's company has booked corporate groups on riverboat cruises. Variety and customised activities are two key selling points. "Highlights are that you are moving from place to place while holding a meeting, so the excursion/entertainment programme is varied. Moreover, shore excursions are tailored to the individual requirements of the MICE organiser, so this makes it very interesting for delegates,"he adds. However, he did raise the point that cruises may not be ideal for planners who do not book the entire ship or boat and prefer not to have their delegates' on-board activities intermingled with that of other leisure passengers. D'Aoust adds that cruising is more exible than perceived since cruises can be booked on short notice and every type of traveller can be accommodated. "For more intimate experiences, river cruise vessels, well-appointed ocean ships, and ships of every size in between, groups can select the type of cruise, duration, destination and activities that suit their organisation's personality and goals. Planners looking for exclusivity or intimate travel can look to small ship cruising, typically river- bound cruises that travel to more intimate destinations." With cruise lines expanding their eets and increasing the size of their ships, delegates can expect high technology and innovative features on board, complemented by new destinations that spur the buzz and demand for cruises. "The rising trend in planners looking to book cruises is no surprise, and the number of MICE groups and planners booking cruise travel will most likely continue to grow." CINDY D'AOUST, PRESIDENT AND CEO, CLIA ASIA GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT • No. 3 after the Caribbean and the Mediterranean • 4.5 million passengers expected to sail in South East Asia by 2035 • 39.5% per annum growth for Asia over the past 10 years • 18.3% of passengers are from South East Asia, third-largest after China and Korea/ Japan SOURCE: CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS 2016 – 2017, STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT; PROJECTIONS BY BERNELLO AJAMIL AND PARTNERS INC PHOTO: ©ISTOCKPHOTO NEW SHIPS, NEW INNOVATIONS • 76 being built with 224,000 berths, scheduled for 2022 delivery • More than 6,000 passenger ships are the norm • More than 150,000 tonnes and about 350 metres in length SOURCE: 2017 ASEAN REPORT ON CRUISE DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA PACIFIC

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