THE Asia Cruise Association (ACA) has elected a new slate of office bearers for 2012-2014, including Royal Caribbean Cruises’ managing director for China & Asia, Liu Zinan.
Liu replaces the association’s founding chairman, Rama Rebbapragada, who passed away on July 25 following a long battle with illness (TTG Asia e-Daily, July 27, 2012).
Elected for a two-year term, the other office bearers for 2012-2014 include Costa Cruises vice president Asia-Pacific & China, Budhy Bok, as vice chairman; Royal Caribbean’s managing director for Singapore, Jennifer Yap, as secretary-general; and Royal Caribbean’s regional director for Asia-Pacific, Kelvin Tan, as treasurer.
Liu said: “ The new office bearers come onboard at a very important point in the development of the cruise industry in Asia.
“The second edition of the Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention in Shanghai from September 26-28, the second edition of Cruise Shipping Asia from September 17-18 in Singapore, the completion of the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore and the forthcoming opening of the Hong Kong cruise terminal at the former Kai Tak Airport all point to the rapid growth of cruising as a holiday option in Asia.
“Our cruise line members will reach out to travel (consultants) at their traditional platforms such as ITB Asia, where for the first time, ACA will be present with a cruise stand. Regular dialogue sessions with government and maritime officials are in the association’s plans for the year.”
