Singapore will host the inaugural Cruise Shipping Asia 2011 event from 16 to 18 November, as the popularity of the cruise sector continues to grow in the region. According to the World Cruise Shipping Industry 2020 report, cruise passenger numbers in the Asia Pacific Region are expected to grow from 1.5 million in 2010 to 2 million in 2015. This is fuelled by the increased year-round deployments in Asia by major cruise lines such as Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and the Yachts of Seabourn which underscores the region’s potential for growth. The Cruise Shipping Asia event will include a tradeshow and conference program focusing on the Asian cruise market. Cruise Shipping Asia's exhibition will also feature product sectors including destinations, itinerary planning, shore excursion services, port and terminal development as well as ship operations, ship services and hotel operations. Conference sessions will be led by panels of industry experts discussing pertinent industry issues.

“Cruising is currently the world’s fastest growing travel market, and Asia is set to become the new cruise playground for both new and seasoned cruise passengers. It is on the back of this growth that Singapore is fast becoming the launch pad to cruising in the region. Our vision of becoming a regional cruise hub is also strengthened by the strong performance last year, when Singapore registered a record 1.14 million cruise passenger throughput, representing a compounded average growth rate of 17% over the last five years. This performance demonstrates the industry’s resilience amid the economic downturn. Cruise Shipping Asia is an integral event that will help to further increase interest in this region,” said Ms Aw Kah Peng, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Singapore is well positioned to become a cruise hub and an attractive cruise line destination due to its year-round tropical climate, diverse sightseeing, cultural dining and shopping offerings, as well as its prime location for land, air and sea connectivity to other destinations in the region.

To realize its ambition as a cruise hub for Asia and gateway to the region, Singapore has already commenced building the International Cruise Terminal (ICT) which is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. The ICT will double Singapore’s berth capacity and enable more cruise ships to homeport and call on Singapore and Asia. The ICT will be a strategically located world-class cruise terminal, situated in Singapore’s new downtown lifestyle and financial hub complemented by business facilities as well as new leisure and entertainment attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, the Marina Barrage and Reservoir, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort opening April 27, 2010 and Gardens by the Bay opening in 2012.