Asian cruise market growing rapidly due to increased ship deployments in the region
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise passenger capacity is expected to reach 2.2 million in Asia this year, according to a report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CLIA’s Asia Cruise Trends study revealed that the introduction of new and larger ships in the region has boosted passenger capacity by 20% per year since 2013. This has enabled Asia to become the fourth largest market in the world in terms of passenger capacity deployment.
The number of Asian passengers taking a cruise has also increased by a 34% compound annual growth rate since 2012 and in 2014, cruise lines hosted nearly 1.4 million tourists from the region.
Chinese passenger numbers have increased by 79% year-on-year between 2012 and 2014 and last year, 697,000 tourists from mainland China took a cruise. This figure was almost as high as the combined figure from all other Asian markets, which reached 701,000.
According to the World Tourism Cities Federation, the majority of these outbound passengers were aged under 40. In four of the largest cruise markets – China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines – more than four out of ten passengers was less than 40 years old.
While Asian outbound tourism is increasing around the world, the study found that these cruisers are primarily exploring Asian destinations. More than 91% of Asian passengers cruised in the region, while the remaining 9% flew to cruise destinations outside the region, mainly in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean.
Last year, more than 48% of Asian passengers opted for four- to six-day cruises in 2014, while 38% chose two- to three-night itineraries and 12% sailed on seven- to 13-night voyages.
“It is exciting that, for the first time, we know the true size of Asian source markets and have been able to extend our understanding of Asia’s cruise industry growth and potential,” said Adam Goldstein, global chairman of CLIA.
Further growth is expected in 2015. This year, 52 cruise ships will sail to 168 destinations in 18 countries in Asia, marking a 10% compound annual growth rate since 2013. Japan ranks top with 646 port calls this year, followed by Malaysia with 580, South Korea with 377, and Singapore and Thailand with 374.
The number of itineraries and longer voyages in the region has risen by 11% per year with 1,065 sailings scheduled this year. There has also been a significant increase in the number of days cruise ships are in operation, from 4,307 operating days in 2013 to 5,824 operating days in 2015.
“2015 will be a record-breaking year in Asia with more travellers cruising in the region than ever before,” said Goldstein. “The cruise industry is responding by offering more cruises with experiences tailored to Asian travellers, as well as enticing international travellers with an easy way to visit Asia’s array of fascinating destinations.”