Cruise industry leaders have been hearing about the potential scale of the China cruise market, projected to reach up to 83 million customers, a study by the Hong Kong Tourism Board said.
The study was presented by Anthony Lau, executive director of the HKTB during the first day of the Cruise Shipping Miami conference.
The ‘Asia Cruise Potential & Passenger Behaviour Study’ revealed the potential for 83 million cruise passengers from only seven major source markets in Greater China and showed the market is generally younger and more family-orientated than traditional markets in Europe and North America.
Over 3,000 potential cruisers were surveyed, with 69% of families with children under 16 said they intend to take a cruise.
Also, a total of 51% under the age of 30 years would plan a cruise in the future.
A second study detailed how 21 ports in Asia have taken steps to upgrade infrastructure and cruise facilities such as expanded shore excursion offerings and the ability to issue visas on arrival.
These include Sanya, Xiamen, Zhoushan, Qingdao and Yantai in China, Taichung and Penghu in Taiwan, South Korea’s Mokpo and Yeosu and Boracay and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.
Of these, about half will be able to accommodate ships of more than 100,000 tons within five years.
“The studies highlighted both the potential for growth in Asia cruise tourism and the region’s commitment to the industry. Hong Kong is the perfect location to tap into the growing cruise potential in the region,” Lau said.
“With the results of the two surveys showing the great potential and committed development, combined with the Asia Cruise Fund, Asia’s cruise tourism is ready to take off.”
