United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Cruise Shipping Asia for Singapore
SEATTLE – Cruise officials in the US are predicting the Asia market will soon be unlocked as the area emerges as the next growth market with passenger numbers expected to rise by 30 percent this year. 

That would mean more than 1.5 million Asian passengers. 

"Globalisation of the cruise passenger is one of the key areas of growth for the cruise market," said Michael Kazakoff, vice president, UBM International Media.
"As the industry expands from a North American base to passengers worldwide, we see Asia’s growing number of passengers as a strong indication that this region will continue to expand."

A major conference, Cruise Shipping Asia set for November this year, is only one indication of the growing market importance, organisers say. 

Michael Duck, senior vice president of UBM Asia, said: "We are delighted to bring Cruise Shipping Asia back to Singapore. It has been 10 years since we last organised a cruise event here, and today, the Asian market is primed for tremendous growth.” 

"The arrival of this major cruise event in Asia underscores the growing recognition of this market’s strong potential, and will greatly complement our ongoing efforts in promoting Asia’s cruise industry development," said Jennifer Yap, spokeswoman for Asia Cruise Association and managing director of Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia). "
Cruise Shipping Asia’s exhibition will feature product sectors including destinations, itinerary planning, shore excursion services, and port and terminal development, as well as ship operations, ship services, and hotel operations. 

By David Wilkening

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