LOOKING to grow inbound traffic from India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has thrown its support behind the promotion of certain cruise programmes originating from Singapore, such as Costa Victoria’s upcoming Singapore-Dubai sailing.
Trade reports from a range of Indian tour operators reveal that 24 per cent of Indians headed to Singapore also embark on cruises from the destination.
STB is keen to take advantage of this trend and market cruise options out of Singapore to Indian tourists. Although details of the promotional tie-up have yet to be revealed, G. B. Srithar, area director – South Asia Marketing (Mumbai) for STB, told TTG Asia e-Daily that the initiative would be linked to the NTO’s ‘Singapore – The holiday you take home with you’ campaign targeted at Indians.
“Singapore continues to evolve and one (upcoming) addition is the opening of its International Cruise Terminal in 2Q2012. The terminal will double Singapore’s berthing capacity and enable it to cater to some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The facility will turn Singapore into a major hub for cruises,” he added.
Veneeta Rawat, director, Amazing Vacations Mumbai said: “Promotional efforts by STB through campaigns with travel consultants will help cover a larger segment of the market. Since cruises are very popular with our clients, more options will elicit greater interest.”
The 1,928-pax Costa Victoria is scheduled to sail from Singapore to Dubai this November. Both cities are popular shopping havens for Indian leisure travellers.
Thomas Cook India and Mercury Travels Mumbai have been appointed to sell this cruise, while Lotus Destinations, Costa Cruises’ GSA in India, has been tasked with promotional duties.
