Bangkok, 24 September 2019 – A number of cruise lines plying Asian waters have reached out to buyers at the IT&CM Asia 2019 being held at Bangkok Convention Center until Thursday, 26 September.
The first event day began with the second edition of the Asian MICE Cruise Conference.
Angie Stephen, Managing Director (Asia Pacific) of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Bernie Ye,VP Sales and Commercial (Greater China and Southeast Asia) Costa Cruises, Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises and Head of Sales of Genting Cruise Lines, Freddie Mueller, Vice-President, Corporate and Incentive Sales, Silversea Cruises, Felix Chan, Vice-President and General Manager(Asia) Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings, and Nungky, Sales Manager Crystal International Asia each took their turns in defining the advantages of cruising and why cruise ships can serve as innovative venues for MICE planners.
They also led the conversation on diverse MICE cruise trends and interests including onboard activities for corporates, and the enhancement of cruise experience with unique ports-of-call for destination-based land activities.
The presentation of CLIA Asia Regional Manager Jiali Wong showed that Asia is the third-largest region in cruise-goers after North America and Europe with a younger average age at 45.4. It was also shown that customer satisfaction in river cruises (81%) and ocean cruises (73%) is higher than the satisfaction rating of hotels and resorts.
Among the factors, enumerated by the speakers, that strengthen MICE in cruises are more value for money against land-based tours, technological advances like facial recognition, check-in kiosks, and QR code scanning that make for a seamless travel experience. There are also 18 more new destinations to add to the 306 present-day destinations worldwide to offer to the 30 million anticipated passengers this year.
“Let this be the creative option to your clients,” said Silverseas’ Freddie Mueller.
MICE has been the centerpiece of IT&CM Asia and it is on its 27th edition this year while its sister event, CTW Asia- Pacific is on its 22nd year. The two simultaneous events are the only double-billed event in MICE and corporate travel in Asia-Pacific.
This year attracted 474 pre-confirmed MICE, Association, and corporate buyers, 928 exhibitors, 61 countries/territories, and 194 foreign media.
