-- In 2015, 52 cruise ships will offer 1,065 cruises and voyages for up to 2.17 million tourists across Asia.
Hong Kong, November 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The newly established Southeast and North Asia chapter of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today released new...Asia Cruise Trends Project: "Analysis, Assessment, Appreciation."The first research results of this project follow the 2013 CLIA Asia White Paper"Information, Intelligence, Insights."That project was also conducted by CHART Management Consultants, a global specialist in cruise tourism and strategy.
This new study provides a comprehensive view of the state of the cruise industry across Asia in 2015 by examining deployment and capacity trends since 2013. Details on all Asian tourism destinations, including relevant call ports and destination ports, will be released shortly. The project ultimately aims to provide the first analysis of the size of 12 Asian source markets by directly compiling data from cruise operators.
CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy stated: “The cruise industry continues to grow rapidly in Asia, with many cruise lines deploying increased capacity in the region, including some modern, large-scale ships. CLIA decided to conduct the first statistical data analysis of the size of Asia’s cruise source markets because cruise lines and many stakeholders in the industry want a better understanding of these trends, the scale of the source markets, and the growth potential of this vibrant and dynamic region.”
The Chair of CLIA Southeast Asia, Ann Sherry commented on the findings released today: “The scale of cruising in Asia and the growth over just three years is remarkable. Next year, 26 cruise brands will operate 52 cruise ships in Asia, nine of which will offer year-round services.”
She continued: “In 2013, there were 802 Asia-based round-trip cruises, and this number is expected to reach 981 in 2015. The growth in capacity is even more significant thanks to larger ships being deployed with more modern facilities. In 2013, capacity allowed for 1.4 million tourists to take Asia-based round-trip cruises, and next year that number will reach 2.05 million, representing an annual growth rate of 19.5%.”
She added: “Moreover, an additional 115,360 tourists will transit through Asia to begin longer voyages, representing a year-on-year growth rate of 25% compared to 73,616 in 2013.”
Dr. Liu Zinan, Chair of CLIA North Asia, said: “We are pleased to see where the growth is happening. This project shows that the number of days cruise ships stay in East Asia is growing at an annual rate of 20.5%, while Southeast Asia’s growth rate is 10%. South Asia destinations, which make up only 6% of the total, show a yearly increase of 34% in ship days.”
Dr. Liu added: “The study also reveals information on capacity, deployment, and growth among the 26 brands included in different types of cruises and programs. It categorizes cruise activities into four tiers based on brand. The top tier includes three CLIA member cruise lines — Star Cruises, Costa Crociere, and Royal Caribbean — which together will have over 100 sailings in 2015 and account for approximately 25% of total passenger capacity in Asia each. The second tier includes CLIA members Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, operating no fewer than 25 sailings. Eight brands in the third tier operate no fewer than nine sailings per year, while those in the fourth tier offer no more than eight sailings.”
CHART Managing Director Ted Blamey explained: “Of course, in Asia, short cruises dominate. Our report shows that cruises of less than one week make up 81% of the 2015 total. Most common are 2-3 night cruises, totaling 425 next year. 4-6 night cruises are growing rapidly, increasing from 263 to 367 in just two years.”
Mr. Blamey noted: “But for international passengers, there are certainly still plenty of opportunities to cruise and explore Asia in ways that suit their travel style. Of the cruises offered in 2015, there are 162 with durations of 7-14 days and 27 with longer durations. While many activities focus on short-holiday local markets, Asia’s diverse range of tourism destinations can meet the varying needs of all kinds of travelers.”
The summary results can be downloaded here.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, with operations spanning North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agencies before regulatory and legislative decision-makers. CLIA also conducts travel agent training, research, and marketing communication activities, working with thousands of travel agency and cruise specialist members to enhance the value and satisfaction of cruise vacations. For more information, please visit http://www.cruising.org.