Asia Tops Cruise Growth

CRUISE passengers numbers from Asia jumped 24% year-on-year. That means Asia tops cruise growth, making the region the world’s fastest growing source of cruise pax, according to a new Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report.

Australia came in second place with 14.6% growth, beaten by China’s 40% increase for the period, CLIA’s “Asia Cruise Trends” study shows.

In 2016, an additional 43% of sailings are scheduled for the region, making up a total of 1,560 departures. “The cruise industry has been nimble and responded quickly to the demand for cruise travel
in Asia by delivering cruise ships with amenities and experiences tailored to Asian travellers,” CLIA president and chief executive Cindy D’Aoust said.

The study also found between 2012 and 2015, Chinese passengers grew at an annual compounded rate of 66% and 38% of all cruisers in the region are aged below 40 years.

Furthermore, it was noted Japan is the biggest destination country with 1,526 port calls in 2016, followed by China (850), South Korea (745), Vietnam (466) Malaysia (422) & Singapore (391).

Commenting on the study, CLIA Australasia md Neil Linwood said the strong growth in the Asian region was good news for the local cruise industry. “The growing number of people in Asia  discovering the joys of a cruise holiday, means more potential customers for cruise ships sailing in our waters. “It also opens the way for more ships, including newer and larger ships, to be deployed in Australia seasonally, complementing their Asian deployments,” he added.

Source: Cruise Weekly AU, 16Aug16