The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) yesterday announced a new three-year partnership that is aimed at developing the fast-growing cruising industry in Singapore and South-east Asia, marking the global cruise association’s first collaboration with a NTO in Asia-Pacific.
Both STB and CLIA will tap their complementary strengths to undertake travel agent training, augment destination marketing efforts, spur regional port development and exchange technical and regulatory best practices.
In the first year of the partnership, STB and CLIA plan to conduct travel agent training in priority cruise markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia and India. With the majority of cruise bookings made through travel agents, these training sessions aim to enhance travel agents’ cruise sales skills overall and knowledge of South-east Asia cruises, in particular. The partnership will leverage CLIA’s professional training capabilities and STB’s travel trade networks in the region.
Lionel Yeo, STB’s chief executive, commented: “As South-east Asia’s cruise industry is still in a nascent stage of growth, this partnership draws on CLIA’s expertise, networks and platforms, as well as STB’s strong understanding of regional travel trade and market nuances, to shape and spur growth in this region. We look forward to working closely with CLIA to develop South-east Asia as a vibrant cruising destination.”
“CLIA is committed to supporting the developing cruise industry in Singapore and South-east Asia. Our expertise in travel agent training, knowledge of best industry practices and extensive global networks will complement the STB’s regional expertise,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA.
Cruising in South-east Asia is fast picking up steam. According to CLIA’s most recent Asia Cruise Trends, South-east Asia contributed close to 15 per cent of Asia’s passengers.
