ROYAL Caribbean Cruises has gained a foothold in Greater China with the opening of a Hong Kong office on June 20.
Balwin Yeung helms the Hong Kong office with eight staff to promote both Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises in the South China market.
According to Yeung, the cruise operator is offering 21 back-to-back sailings covering 12 ports of call including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and China, between July 2, 2015 and October 10, 2015.
The move ends Lotus Tour’s role as GSA and business representative which it has held for 20 years.
Adam Goldstein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “In the past, we relied on (Lotus) to distribute our product to travel consultants and consumers. We have reached a stage where we can grow our own business after building on the success of the last 20 years. Now, we depend on ourselves and need to conduct trainings to familiarise others with our products.”
Goldstein elaborated: “In the next six to 12 months, we will take part in roadshows, seminars and webinars. Our sales & marketing office in Hong Kong will actively support travel consultants and other stakeholders. We want to build distribution as we have a big ship to fill here.”
Voyager of the Sea will homeport at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal beginning summer next year after a scheduled US$75 million refurbishment.
