10th September 2019, Baoshan, Shanghai (China) –
Key global figures from the cruise industry, Colin Au, Group President, Genting Hong Kong; Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Arnold Donald, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc. and Pierfrancesco Vago Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises will be taking the stage in Baoshan, Shanghai, China to discuss latest trends and developments in the Asia Pacific cruise market.
Asia comes under the spotlight next month as hundreds of executives from around the globe converge at Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific taking place from 9-11 October 2019 in a joint commitment with Shanghai Baoshan Municipal People’s Government; Shanghai International Cruise Business Institute, Shanghai University of Engineering Science and Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.
Ahead of this year’s event, which takes place in China for the 4th consecutive year, CLIA statistics revealed that a record-breaking 4,240,000 Asians took an ocean cruise in 2018 – a 4.6% increase in growth from the previous year.
The development of source markets throughout Asia Pacific will be the topic of one of the sessions being held at the 3-day event.
Latest CLIA figures* also showed that the Asia Pacific region accounted for 14.8% of global passenger volume in 2018. Mainland China continues to dominate the Asian source markets, accounting for 55.8% of all Asian passenger volume in 2018. Taiwan Region of China remains the second largest Asian source market (9.3% share) followed by Singapore (8.8%), Japan (6.3%), Hong Kong (5.9%), India (5.2%) and Malaysia (3.6%).
According to Andrew Williams, President of Maritime Group, Informa Markets, the Asia Pacific region has much to focus on going forward; ‘Cruise ships in Asia are calling at more places, with over 300 ports and destinations set to receive vessels in 2019.’
Williams added, ‘A particular session of interest is How China as an Asian Cruise Hub is Helping to Improve Regional Cruising. In this session our speakers will address how China is re-energising regional cruising and what the future holds for the market. A key topic which will be highlighted is how the region has benefited by focusing on optimising sustainability and infrastructure developments following the arrival in 2019 of two new dedicated ships built for China in addition to more tonnage planned for 2020’
Asia continues to be a popular destination and shorter sailings remain the choice of Asians, 89% of which are sailing for 4-6 nights - the lowest amongst source market regions in the world, reports CLIA.
Taking place over three days, Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific will begin with a familiarisation trip to Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal followed by an evening welcome reception.
Thursday 10 October will begin with the International Cruise Research Alliance Summit, Cruise Talent Education Alliance Summit and A workshop session on the strategic management of the relationship among cruise lines, cruise terminals and ports, and service providers. This will be followed by the Opening Ceremony including keynote addresses by central government officials, Cruise Lines International Association, senior cruise line executives and Madam Wang, Hong, Party Secretary General, Shanghai Baoshan People’s Government.
Workshops will also be held regarding The Development of Land-Based Activities at Destinations led by Alvin Materi, Director, Cruise Asia, Destination Asia.
Day two closes with a Reception and dinner for delegates and exhibitors.
Day three includes: How China as an Asian Cruise Hub is Helping to Improve Regional Cruising; Asia-Pacific Source Markets – How are They Trending, What are the Issues, What is the Future?; Innovation of the Cruise Industry; An Update on China’s Cruise Shipbuilding and Repair Sector sponsored by Bernhard Schulte Cruise Services GmbH & Co.KG ; Trends in Asia Deployment; The Strategy Behind Ship Financing; Updates on Asia Port and Destination Infrastructure – What’s New and What’s Improved sponsored by Bloomberry Cruise Terminals Inc.
Travel Agent Training delivered by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will also be run alongside the busy conference programme.
Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific is the region’s leading cruise industry event and gateway for the international cruise community. Welcoming over 1000 attendees, the event brings together a network of powerful industry influencers and cruise line executives to China to attend the conference; network and do business.
The event is supported by Asia Cruise Terminal Association (ACTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), China Ports and Harbours Association, Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Shanghai Cruise Center and MATTA.
