To support travel agents in Asia, CLIA is organising a cruise seminar at ITB Asia 2018 in Singapore in partnership with eight cruise brands to equip travel agents with the skills to matchmake the cruise products to consumers.
The two-hour seminar, titled Navigating the Cruise Industry Towards Greater Profits, will highlight the latest trends and opportunities for travel agents, as well as share tips on how travel agents can use the different cruise brands’ unique selling points to sell to and attract Asian cruise passengers.
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.
“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,” said Joel Katz, CLIA Australasia & Asia managing director.
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.
This year 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 per cent. Followed by small, upscale ships with a capacity of under 750 passengers expecting a 20 per cent increase in numbers.
South-east Asia is expected to see a significant 20 per cent 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 South-east Asia will have tremendous potential to grow their cruise profits.
The cruise seminar will be held on October 19, 2018, 11.30-13.30 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. CLIA will also be at ITB Asia booth P25 from October 17-19, 2018.
