Singapore: International cruiselines have yet to perfect their offerings for the Chinese market, but are changing fast to get in on the fastest growing cruise market in the world, a senior cruise official told SinoShip News. Christine Duffy, president and ceo of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), said, “Cruiselines are continuing to adjust as the China market evolves and they continue to refine their product.” She went on to note: “Many cruiselines understand that with China it is not the same as elsewhere. You can’t just lift the format that works in the US or the EU.”
She observed that the China market was developing fast and returns for international cruiselines were becoming substantial. “We are finally at a point where we are seeing tangible developments from both the cruiselines and the local community who are looking to make progress,” she said.
CLIA is the international cruise industry’s largest trade and travel agency association, comprised of 26 cruiselines, nearly 16,000 travel agents and agencies, and 120 executive partners.
In a recent poll conducted by our website, 78.3% of the more than 400 respondents said international cruiselines have so far failed to properly cater for Chinese holidaymakers’ tastes and needs. [28/09/12]
