Having witnessed a 45 per cent increase in cruise passengers from India over the years, Star Cruises is now set to further promote its products among middle and upper income groups of frequent travellers through their 12 Preferred Sales Agents (PSA) and sales teams in India. The company is also working closely with partners to tap the tier II cities revealed Michael Goh, Senior Vice President Sales, Star Cruise Travel Service. He further added that the company foresees a 5-10 per cent increase in Indian footfall between now and 2013.
“Being an Asian carrier with global knowledge of destinations makes us that much more attractive to Indians. In the last few years, we have expanded successfully into the MICE segment, and will now promote honeymoons and weddings at sea, as well as heritage at sea for Indian students. We also have our Superstar Gemini nearing completion in Shanghai, ready for unveiling in April 2013. Overall, 2013 is an exciting year for us,” added Goh.
Speaking further about the Indian market, Naresh Rawal, VP Sales and Marketing India and South Asia, Star Cruises (India) Travel Service, stated that programmes are being tailored for the weddings and heritage at sea programmes. “We have planned familiarisation trips for wedding planners. Moreover, we are also in talks with schools and in discussion with the trade and event management companies for the sale of both,” he added.
India is among the top three source markets for Star Cruises, 30 per cent of which is MICE. The company now plans to push Hong Kong cruises to the Indian travellers.
