The Asian cruise industry is experiencing strong double-digit growth, driven by demand from China, a new report has confirmed.
The ‘Asia Cruise Trends’ study, which was released this week by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), revealed that cruise lines welcomed almost 1.4 million Asian passengers in 2014, marking a 34% annual growth rate since 2012.
But the rate of growth of Chinese passengers jumped 79% in the same period, to 697,000 in 2014 – almost as many as all other Asian markets combined (701,000).
And unlike other parts of the world, Asian cruise passengers tend to be younger. In China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, more than 40% of cruise passengers were less than 40 years old.
And the growth in passenger traffic is being driven by a rise in ship deployments; this year, 52 cruise ships will operate in Asia, marking a 10% average annual growth rate since 2013.
Cruises in the region now visit more than 168 ports across 18 countries, with a 34% overall increase in port calls since 2013. Japan tops the region with 646 port calls planned in 2015, followed by Malaysia (580), South Korea (377), Singapore and Thailand (374 each).
“It is exciting that, for the first time, we know the true size of Asian source markets and have been able to extend our understanding of Asia’s cruise industry growth and potential,” said Adam M. Goldstein, global chairman of CLIA.
“2015 will be a record-breaking year in Asia with more travellers cruising the region than ever before. The cruise industry is responding by offering more cruises with experiences tailored to Asian travellers as well as enticing international travellers with an easy way to visit Asia’s array of fascinating destinations.”
CLIA also noted that cruise lines are now recognising the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region, with a range of new onboard amenities being offered in Asia, including many tailored to the region’s passengers.
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