Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have inked a new partnership aimed at boosting the cruise industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Described as the first partnership of its kind, the three-year deal will see STB and CLIA work together on travel agent training, destination marketing efforts, regional port development and an exchange of technical and regulatory best practices.
The announcement marks CLIA’s first collaboration with a national tourism organization in the Asia-Pacific region, CLIA said. It comes at a time when cruising in Southeast Asia, home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, is fast picking up steam. CLIA’s most recent Asia Cruise Trends study reported that Southeast Asia contributed close to 15 per cent of Asia’s passengers.
In the first year of the partnership, STB and CLIA plan to conduct travel agent training in priority cruise markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia and India. With the majority of cruise bookings made through travel agents, these training sessions aim to enhance travel agents’ cruise sales skills overall and knowledge of Southeast Asia cruises, in particular. The partnership will leverage CLIA’s professional training capabilities and STB’s travel trade networks in the region.
“As Southeast Asia’s cruise industry is still in a nascent stage of growth, this partnership draws on CLIA’s expertise, networks and platforms, as well as STB’s strong understanding of regional travel trade and market nuances, to shape and spur growth in this region,” said Lionel Yeo, STB’s chief executive.
“CLIA is committed to supporting the developing cruise industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Our expertise in travel agent training, knowledge of best industry practices and extensive global networks will complement the Singapore Tourism Board’s regional expertise,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA.
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