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CLIA opens regional offices for Southeast Asia, North Asia
Responding to the exponential growth of big ship cruising in Asia, Cruise Lines International Association has established two regional arms to better serve the market needs of member cruise lines and the travel industry.
CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia have been set up to recognize the importance of the region as an emerging cruise market.
"Asia ranks highly on our list of emerging cruise regions as the globalization of the cruise industry continues to gather pace," said CLIA CEO Christine Duffy.
"CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia will have an influential voice as they work with government and private enterprise to address market needs, master trade distribution, create highly desirable itineraries and offer advice on port and infrastructure."
Carnival Australia CEO, Ann Sherry will chair CLIA Southeast Asia division and Royal Caribbean managing director Singapore and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Yap, will become secretary.
Sherry said CLIA Southeast Asia will play a crucial role in exposing cruise holidays to a wider audience through travel trade partners.
"In terms of cruising growth, the Asia-Pacific regions are interconnected and together represent the world’s most dynamic area for cruise," she said.
"CLIA Southeast Asia will have an integral leadership role in building the cruise category in the region, helping travel agents understand that cruising is a business opportunity for them, and encouraging investment by regional governments and authorities to open up ports and attractive cruise destinations."
Carnival Asia executives, Paul Chong and William Harber, will also serve on the CLIA Southeast Asia board.
CLIA North Asia is to be be chaired by Royal Caribbean managing director Asia and China, Dr. Zinan Liu, and it will concentrate its efforts on infrastructure improvements, advocacy and promoting cruises to the regional travel trade.
"The growth of cruising is bringing about enormous socio-economic benefits for all stakeholders. Like in any emerging market there is a need to tackle challenges including the lack of port infrastructure, cross-border travel constraints and uncertainty of the regulatory environment," Liu said.
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