The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) eyes Indian travelers as its primary market consumers for cruise packages after reports show in 2016 that from the 1.2 million passengers on board, 100,000 were from India, a 29 percent increase from the 2015 statistics. Also, due to the potential number of the nationals, the STB held the second India Cruise Forum in Mumbai to tackle the challenges and opportunities of India's travel market.
The one-day affair was attended by over 120 people coming from different tourism sectors, with GB Srithar, Regional Director for South Asia, Middle East & Africa (RD SAMEA) STB, leading the seminars. "India is a key source market for cruising out of Singapore," he said in a press statement to Travelers Today. "STB will continue to work closely with in-market partners to raise awareness of cruising as a great holiday option and sustain the growth of Singapore as a cruising hub in South East Asia."
Srithar mentioned that about 34 percent of Mumbai families are willing to spend ₹100,000 to ₹ 200,000 or $1,500 to $3,000 on a ship holiday, with nearly 500 travelers would want to cruise in Singapore. The STB would like to strengthen its tourism initiatives to promote Southeast Asian cruise travels in general.
Head of International Training and Development at Cruise Lines International Association, Peter Kollar, also gave a talk about the marketing and branding aspect of cruise travel to potential customers. Annie Chang, Director of Cruise at STB gave the insight that Singapore remains as the top cruise hub in Southeast Asia.
At the end of the year, the country will see the docking of two large cruise liners in its harbors. Genting Dream and Royal Caribbean International have revealed plans to stay at Singapore for its international holiday tour. Moreover, in 2018, there will be 72 sails from the Voyager of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas ships.
