It’s full steam ahead for the Chinese cruise market, which is on course to become the second largest global cruise market after the US by 2017, reveals the WTM Global Trends Report 2013 released on 4th November.

Cruising in China is still in its infancy, yet it is registering buoyant growth, as Chinese travellers show they’re gung ho for the concept.

The WTM Global Trends Report 2013, unveiled at the first day of World Travel Market in London, states international cruise operators are keen to jump onboard, and have vastly expanded their offerings in the region in 2012 and 2013.

Royal Caribbean said its Chinese passengers quadrupled from 25,000 to 100,000 between 2011 and 2012, with numbers predicted to reach 200,000 for 2013.

Meanwhile, rival cruise giant Carnival has opened offices in five Chinese cities to support its Princess Cruises brand.

Carnival Asia expects at least seven million cruise passengers to come from Asia by 2020. Currently only 6-7% of global cruise passengers are from the region but that is to increase to 20%.

Alan Buckelew, President and Chief Executive of Princess Cruises, said: “The cruise vacation market is in its infancy in China, and therefore we see this region as one with exciting growth potential.

“In 2020, according to our predictions, Asia will represent about one in five cruise passengers worldwide.”

The Chinese government has also spotted cruising’s potential and declared 2013 as Marine Tourism Year, with the latest five-year plan dictating that cruising should be encouraged.

In 2012, there were 285 cruise ship arrivals at ports in China, up by 8.8% on 2011, states the WTM Global Trends Report 2013, in association with Euromonitor International.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Director, World Travel Market, Simon Press said: “The potential for China’s cruise market is vast but – as this report highlights – the government needs to integrate airports, rail and roads so that passengers can easily reach the new cruise terminals.

“The lack of infrastructure appears to be the biggest impediment to growth.”

Caroline Bremner, Euromonitor International Head of Travel and Tourism Research, said: “Established international cruise lines are leading the charge into the Chinese market, but they need to do more to take into account local preferences, including dining, shopping and leisure options.

“But the possibilities on the horizon are immense. For example, the Asian Cruise Association has identified 80 further cities as potential Asian cruise stops, including destinations in China, Myanmar, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.

“And further afield, destinations in Europe, the US and the Caribbean are being earmarked for development.”

 

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