Northstar

8 | www.travelweekly-asia.com Anthem of the Seas made its debut earlier this year. COVER STORY Asia's cruise industry is experiencing strong double-digit growth with historic numbers of cruise ships, passengers and ports in the region. But this is just the beginning, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Southeast Asia chair Ann Sherry. "With cruise lines hosting nearly 1.4 million Asian guests last year, a 34% increase in just two years, the global cruise industry has recognised that Asia is quickly becoming a major international market in its own right," Sherry says. 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," Sherry adds. 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. Key fi ndings of CLIA Southeast Asia 2014 Asia Cruise Trends study: 1. Capacity Boost The capacity to carry passengers continues to soar with the introduction of new and larger ships in the region. Since 2013, passenger capacity grew at a 20% compound annual growth rate and is expected to reach almost 2.2 million in 2015. ASIA CRUISE TRENDS: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT WAVE? impact on economic growth in the region. Japan ranks top with 646 port calls planned in 2015, followed by Malaysia (580), South Korea (377), Singapore and Thailand (374 each). 8. Short Sailings Depending on the market, many Asian guests have limited holiday entitlements making short cruises preferable. In 2014, 48% of Asian passengers chose four to six day cruises, 38% chose cruises of two to three nights, and only 12% opted for seven to 13 night cruises. 9. Attracting the Asian Traveller Cruise lines have recognised the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region. New onboard offerings tailored to the Asian guests include inclusive onboard activities aimed at multi-generational families, high-end shopping, and adapted menus to include familiar favourites and regional cuisine. 2. Asia Passenger Growth With this increased ship capacity, Asians are cruising more than ever before. Cruise lines hosted nearly 1.4 million Asian holidaymakers in 2014, a 34% compound annual growth rate since 2012. 3. Increase in Chinese Cruisers From 2012 to 2014, the number of Chinese passengers grew 79% per year. In 2014, 697,000 passengers were from mainland China, which is almost as many passengers as all other Asian markets combined (701,000). 4. Gen Y Cruisers China's Generation Y (aged under 35 years) made up most of the country's outbound travel, according to statistics from the World Tourism Cities Federation. This trend is echoed in the cruise industry. In four of the largest cruise markets – China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines – more than four out of 10 passengers were under 40. 5. More Cruise Ships in Asia This year, 52 cruise ships will operate in Asia, a 10 % compound annual growth rate since 2013. The number of cruises and longer voyages in the region has also grown with 1065 sailings scheduled this year, up 11% per year. There has also been a signifi cant increase in the number of days cruise ships are in operation, from 4307 operating days in 2013 to 5824 operating days in 2015. 6. Asian Exploration While Asian outbound tourism is exploding around the world, the study found that Asian cruisers are primarily exploring Asian destinations. More than nine out of 10 Asian passengers (91%) cruised within Asia. The remaining nine per cent fl ew to cruise destinations outside the region, primarily in Europe, followed by Alaska and the Caribbean. 7. Proliferation of Ports Cruising in the region includes more than 168 destinations across 18 countries, making travelling by cruise ship one of the easiest ways to see all that Asia has to offer. While the introduction of new ports throughout Asia is great for travellers, it is also great for local economies. With a 34% increase in port calls since 2013, cruise lines are bringing more visitors to destinations in Asia having a direct Cruise lines have recognised the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region. New onboard offerings are tailored to the Asian guests. Photos: Royal Caribbean International.

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