September 15, 2018 TnH Global 1

CLIA Asia to conduct a seminar at ITB Asia 2018

Cruise is one of the fastest growing leisure travel segments globally and has been picking up steam in the Asia region. Most Asian markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, India, Mainland China and Malaysia registered double-digit year-on-year growth in passenger numbers.

2018 will see 38 cruise lines deployed and more ships in Asian waters. Compared to 2017, the number of large vessels with a capacity of 2,000 – 3,500 passengers will see the most significant increase of almost 50%. Followed by small, upscale ships with a capacity of under 750 passengers expecting a 20% increase in numbers.

Southeast Asia, is expected to see a significant 20% increase in port calls for 2018 due to the deployment of more ships. The increased inventory of cruise itineraries coupled with Asians preference to cruise close to home in Asia, means that travel agents in Southeast Asia will have tremendous potential to grow their cruise profits.

To support travel agents in Asia, CLIA is organising a cruise seminar at ITB Asia 2018 in Singapore to equip travel agents both new and familiar with selling cruise – with the skills to matchmake the right cruise products to consumers. Partnering with cruise lines, the 2-hour seminar “Navigating the Cruise Industry Towards Greater Profits” will highlight the latest trends and opportunities for travel agents; and share tips on how travel agents can use the different cruise brands’ unique selling points to sell to and attract Asian cruise passengers.

“CLIA’s mandate is to provide essential training, resources and support to Asia travel agents. As the cruise industry continues to grow further in Asia, we look forward to partnering our cruise lines members and host a meaningful seminar for Asia travel agents at ITB Asia 2018.” Mr Joel Katz CLIA Australasia & Asia Managing Director said.

The eight participating cruise brands are Costa Cruises, Dream Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. The cruise seminar will be held on 19th October 2018, 11:30am-1:30pm at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. CLIA will also be at ITB Asia booth P25 from 17-19th October 2018.