By
Rebecca Gibson |
Costa Crociere has announced that it is to establish a wholly-owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) in Shanghai, China.
The company, which will offer commercial and financial services to local travel partners and passengers such as marketing, ticketing and collection in Chinese currency, is aimed at building a stronger relationship with the local customer base.
“We are proud to be the first cruise company to set up a WOFE in China,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa.
“The WOFE status is our new instrument to develop business in China and enhance our commitment to long-term development in this marketplace,” he added, giving special thanks to the local government authorities, in particular the Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipality.
Costa, which was the first cruise line to base a ship in China (2006) has made big strides in a market that many other lines have found difficult to penetrate.
Gianni Onorato, president of Costa said: “With the new WOFE’s support, we are confident we will entice more Chinese consumers to experience the extraordinary holidays offered on our cruise ships, including the upcoming Costa Victoria, which will be deployed in China as of 2012.”