The Cruise Industry in Asia: Present Growth and Future Prospects
Organised in association with 
Following on from a successful debut in 2008 that brought over 2,300 cruise industry professionals from 28 countries to the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal, the All Asia Cruise Convention returns to Shanghai for the second time in 2010.
2008 Retrospective
Among the issues discussed in a packed conference of the inaugural Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention was the current state of the cruise market in Asia – and its short, mid and long-term outlooks – plus the impact of economic tourism in the region, in-depth analyses of infrastructure and itineraries, and all-important challenges and opportunities pertaining to Asia’s growing and highly diversified source market for cruise passengers. More than 30 high-profile international speakers traded ideas, statistics, facts and opinions about deployment, demographics and more with 400 delegates in the audience. Debate also filtered out into the busy exhibition that accommodated 50 companies from 17 countries!
Among the highlights of the first Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention were the signing of an MoU, forming the long-awaited Asia Cruise Association (ACA), between Costa Crociere, Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Star Cruises, and the positive prediction, thanks in part to such collective initiatives and the work they will accomplish, that by 2010 Asian cruise passenger numbers will have risen by 40% to over 1.5 million.
Additionally, a special concurrent two-day travel agent training programme hosted 155 local travel agents. The complimentary training forum brought travel agents up to date on everything they needed to know about the exciting growth in the area and valuable tips on how maximize cruise sale profits.
On its final day, the Convention opened its doors to the public. Hundreds of interested Shanghainese packed the halls to find out more about cruise lifestyle from the organisers and exhibitors.
Participating cruise lines in 2008 included: Aida Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Carnival UK, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Crociere s.P.A, Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Star Clippers, Star Cruises, Viking River Cruises.
Sponsors
