GREATER China is set to fuel Asian cruise growth with its market of 83 million potential passengers, and families with young children are the best segment to target, according to a study conducted this year by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Speaking at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific last week, HKTB executive director Anthony Lau shared the results of the NTO’s first cruise consumer behaviour study involving 3,500 people from Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Wuhan, Chengdu and Beijing.
“Our findings indicated out of the three consumer segments (family, young and achievers), the achiever, or those between ages 46 to 60, showed the least intention to take cruise (11 per cent) compared to families with children (44 per cent)…because they view cruising as a hassle-free, ideal occasion to spend quality time with the family,” he said, adding that Chinese travellers perceived cruises as a luxury product.
Respondents also indicated a preference for French and Italian fine dining on cruises, deemed free Wi-Fi a necessity, and said the ideal length for a cruise is six to seven days. Over 80 per cent wanted to cruise to Hong Kong.
Carnival Australia, CEO and chairman, CLIA SE Asia, Ann Sherry, welcomed the results of the study saying: “The study’s data like age and demography, helps match cruise products with the right segment.”
