The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) publishes a study on cruise industry trends in Asia.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today released the results of its Asia Cruise Industry Trends study, revealing that the industry in Asia is experiencing double-digit growth in terms of ships, passengers, and ports. Based on these findings, CLIA has identified the key trends in the Asian cruise industry.
Passenger capacity continues to increase with the arrival of newer, larger ships in the region. Since 2013, passenger capacity has increased by 20% and is expected to reach almost 2.2 million in 2015. The Asian region has rapidly moved into fourth place in passenger capacity deployment, equaling Australasia.
Increase in Asian passengers. With increased ship capacity, Asians are cruising more than ever. Cruise lines welcomed nearly 1.4 million Asian passengers in 2014, representing a 34% growth rate since 2012.
Increase in Chinese cruise passengers. From 2012 to 2014, the number of Chinese passengers grew by 79% annually. In 2014, 697,000 passengers came primarily from China, a figure almost equal to the total for all other Asian markets (701,000).
Cruise passengers under 40.China's Generation Y – those under 35 – are the biggest overseas travelers, according to statistics from the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF)[1]. The cruise industry is reflecting this trend. In four of the largest cruise markets (China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines), more than 4 out of 10 passengers were under 40.
More cruise ships in Asia. This year, 52 cruise ships will operate in Asia, representing a 10% year-on-year increase since 2013. The number of cruises and long-haul voyages in the region has also increased, with 1,065 sailings scheduled this year, a growth of more than 11% year-on-year. There has also been a significant increase in the number of days cruises are operational, from 4,307 days in 2013 to 5,824 days in 2015.
Discover Asia first.Although Asian tourism is expanding worldwide, the study reveals that Asian cruise passengers are choosing to explore destinations within Asia first. More than nine out of ten of these tourists (91%) cruised within Asia. The remaining 9% opted for destinations outside the region, primarily in Europe, followed by Alaska and the Caribbean.
A proliferation of ports.The region boasts more than 168 destinations across 18 countries, making cruise travel one of the easiest ways to discover all that Asia has to offer. The addition of new ports throughout Asia is great news for travelers, but also for local economies. With an absolute increase of 34% in port calls since 2013, cruise lines are bringing more visitors to destinations in Asia, directly impacting the region's economic growth. Japan leads the ranking with 646 planned port calls in 2015, followed by Malaysia (with 580), South Korea (with 377), and Singapore and Thailand (with 374 each).
Shorter routes. Depending on the market, many Asians have limited vacation time. Therefore, shorter cruise routes are often preferred by Asian customers. Thus, in 2014, 48% of Asian passengers chose itineraries of 4 to 6 days, while 38% chose cruises of 2 to 3 nights, and only 12% opted for voyages of 7 to 13 nights.
Attracting Asian travelers. Cruise lines have recognized the need to bring their best ships and amenities to the region. New onboard offerings, tailored for Asian passengers, include activities for all family members, high-end shops, and menus adapted to feature familiar and regional cuisine.
“It is exciting that, for the first time, we are seeing the true size of emerging Asian markets and are able to expand our understanding of the growth and potential of the Asian cruise industry,” said Adam M. Goldstein, Global Chairman of CLIA. “2015 will be a record-breaking year in Asia with more cruise passengers in the region than ever before. The industry is responding by offering more cruises with tailored experiences for Asian passengers, as well as enticing international travelers with a simple way to visit Asia’s fascinating collection of destinations.”.
[1]The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) together with Ipsos, a French market research company, conducted a survey in July 2014 on Chinese tourists abroad
