ASEAN aims to grow cruise tourism in Southeast Asia

Cruise tourism is expected to grow in Southeast Asia after four Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries showcased the region at Cruise Shipping Miami this March.

2015 marks the first time Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have jointly promoted the Southeast Asia region at the annual event. Representatives at the four adjacent booths shared personal stories about the 25,000 islands in the region and shared country-specific marketing packs with delegates.

“Southeast Asia has bountiful potential to be the next cruising playground of the world,” said Annie Chang, deputy director of Cruise at Singapore Tourism Board. “We enjoy a year-round tropical climate and calm waters, making it very conducive for year-round cruising. Many international cruise brands are already doing seasonal homeporting here, but there is so much more to be made known still, and the co-location of our booths was thus an excellent platform to do just that.”

The ASEAN delegation also held a food reception at the event, enabling guests to enjoy traditional Southeast Asian delicacies, as well as traditional dance performances by Filipino and Thai troupes.

“A cruise vacation can’t happen with just one port so it’s heartening to see our ASEAN neighbours sharing a common objective, which is to seize the opportunities on the massive potential in the region,” said Mitchelle Dy, tourism director at the Philippine Department of Tourism. “I truly believe Southeast Asia can become a major player in the cruising world, and judging by how the guests enjoyed themselves at our reception, hopefully the seeding of our region in their minds will eventually grow into a blossoming cruise industry within ASEAN.”

ASEAN has also co-funded a monthly online newsletter and a ten-day familiarisation trip through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia to enable shore excursion providers and itinerary planners from various cruise lines to visit the region.