THE lack of significant infrastructural improvements and government support (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 17, 2012) in Asia-Pacific are some of the more pressing issues that continue to constrain the development of the regional cruise industry.
Speaking at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific 2012, Gianni Onorato, president, Costa Crociere, said while Asian destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai now boast ports capable of berthing the largest cruise ships, other transit ports of call in the region still lack the facilities to accommodate these larger vessels, and thus restrict the development of itineraries.
Citing Australia as an example, Gavin Smith, managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia, pointed out that while there was no lack of cruising demand Down Under, it was the limited “physical capabilities” of ports unable to accommodate larger ships that curtailed the growth of the industry.
Meanwhile, cruise stakeholders also pointed to the low rate of penetration of cruise tourism in Asia, which stands at about 0.01 per cent – in contrast with the three per cent market penetration rate in the US.
V.Ships president, Roberto Giorgi, said: “With the rapid rise of a middle class, there are 300 million potential passengers in China, but the country needs more ports and vessels built in order to reach its potential.”
Calling for more investment to boost cruising infrastructure in the region, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, said: “Everyone should have a stake (in the cruise industry), so Asia can learn how to harness all stakeholders to come together to realise ambitions.”
