Asian ports become new destinations for cruise tourism

By Y. Sulaiman
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTurboNews) — The world cruise market, which up to now has been dominated by the US market, sees Asian ports an increasingly popular option for travelers around the globe, with Southeast Asia tipped to become a red-hot cruising destination in the long term.

Unpredictable  weather problems, security threats and spiraling oil prices has pushed cruise line operators to look at Asian ports as alternative ports of call in place of  the traditional cruise markets around the Americas, Mediterranean and European waters.
 
A market analysis titled ‘The Cruise Market – Market Assessment 2005′ by Research and Markets predicts the number of cruise passengers taking to the seas to increase by around 8-9 percent a year for the new millennium, and the industry is expected to continue growing this year.
 
Japan’s largest cruise liner Asuka with  446 Japanese tourists on board, recently stopped in Kuching, Malaysian Borneo on its last month-long voyage to seven countries. It will make stops in China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Palau and the US before being retired to be replaced by Asuka 2, a bigger liner.
 
New Zealand based cruise operator Pacific Sky has announced it will be adding a new cruise to Southeast Asia. Most of the cruises will originate in Singapore, and will visit various locations in Thailand and Malaysia.
“These cruises provide travelers with a unique Asian experience, visiting many selection of exotic destinations in one holiday without the stress of having to arrange travel and accommodation in different and unfamiliar locations,” said Shannon Currie, development manager.
 
There are currently around 240 ships in operation, with the US dominating the industry, but Southeast Asia is tipped to show its potential by 2010. The world’s third biggest cruise company is Malaysian owned and its ships sail in all the world’s oceans.
 
By next Christmas, a British P&O cruise liner, Artemis, will embark on its ‘African and Asian Odyssey’ cruise that will visit an incredible 21 countries across Africa and Asia, stretching from Tunisia to Singapore. Along the route, travelers will be treated to the exotic sights, sounds and smells of Egypt, India, Sri Lanka, Namibia, the Seychelles and Vietnam.
 
Malaysia  is set to become the new world capital for marine tourism in the Far East if government plans are successful. At present, there are 14 completed and soon-to-be completed marinas and yacht clubs in Malaysian waters with international class facilities.
 
Penang recently completed building of a mixed RM 100 million development. Located at its best-known site George Town, it is the government’s investment to revitalize the historic city, and bring back tourists without losing the town’s character. The mixed development project includes an international cruise terminal, public marina, duty-free shopping outlets, a boutique hotel and theme restaurants.
 
“The country will focus on cruise and yacht tourism,” said Malaysian Tourism Minister Leo Toyad, tourism minister.” We are beginning our mission of educating travelers what Malaysia has to offer and why it is known as the Gem of Southeast Asia.”
 
Elsewhere in Asia, India, aiming to turn the country into an attractive cruise tourism destination with state-of-the art infrastructure and other facilities at selected ports in the country, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with island nation Bahamas to explore the possibilities of cooperation in the area of cruise shipping.
 
“Bahamas is a favored cruise destination in the world and its expertise can be used as a valuable signpost in the development of the Indian cruise shipping industry,” said AK Mohapatra, shipping secretary.
 
A survey has shown those over the age of 40 are most likely to go on a cruise holiday, determined to make the most of life’s opportunities, with 48 percent opting to take the ocean waves.
 
More and more people choose to take cruises during the first seven months of the year and the meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions sector is showing signs of recovery.

January 31, 2006   Posted in: Cruise Ships