New CLIA report finds that the region is now the world’s third-largest passenger source market
By
Rebecca Gibson |
A record-breaking 4.24 million Asian travellers took an ocean cruise in 2018, making the region the world’s third-largest passenger source market after North America and Europe, according to a new Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report.
The 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report found that multiple source markets across Asia achieved double-digit growth in passengers last year. China continues to be the biggest source market, but the number of people from Taiwan and Singapore taking cruises has also risen steadily.
CLIA’s report also showed that Asia was the favourite destination with these passengers, with more than 50% opting for itineraries in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Almost 40% chose voyages to ports elsewhere in Asia. The Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America, Baltics and Northern Europe, and Alaska were also popular (in that order).
According the report, 89% of Asian passengers prefer shorter itineraries that last an average of four to six days. Meanwhile, the estimated average age of Asian cruise passengers is 45.4 years, lower than the global average of 47 years.
“With nine out of ten Asian cruise travellers choosing to cruise in Asia, it is clear that cruising will keep growing in popularity as more capacity will be deployed to Asia in the next few years,” said Joel Katz, managing director for CLIA Australasia & Asia. “Asian cruise passengers are found across the age spectrum, suggesting different consumer segments interested in a cruise holiday and providing numerous possibilities for industry partners to develop the cruise penetration rate in this region.”