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Costa Cruises has once again achieved market recognition in China, receiving two awards in quick succession. On 8 April 2009, Costa Cruises was awarded “The Most Popular Cruise Line” title at the World Travel Fair 2009, shortly after winning the Golden List Award of "The Preferred Cruise Line" by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Demonstrating Costa Cruises’ recognition as the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market, these influential awards confirm the company’s outstanding performance over the past three years, receiving recognition by both the industry and consumers alike.
At the World Travel Fair in Shanghai, Costa Cruises stood out from more than 500 exhibitors from 62 countries and regions from around the globe. The event saw Costa Cruises presented with "The Most Popular Cruise Line” title for the second time, following their win in 2008.
Known as the “Outbound Travel Industry’s Leading Sourcing Fair”, the World Travel Fair is an influential travel platform for many tourism boards and travel agencies from all over the world. This award confirms Costa Cruises’ commitment to bringing new and innovative cruise products to the market and continually meeting the distinctive demands of Chinese customers to provide an enjoyable cruise holiday.
With more than 60 years experience of cruise operation, Costa Cruises entered the Chinese market in 2006 and soon became the leading brand within the country. Successful operation within the market has provided Costa Cruises with a unique understanding of the preferences of Chinese tourists.
This spirit of innovation and the continued dedication to being the best in the business have bestowed Costa Cruises with the honour of being “The Preferred Cruise Line” by National Geographic Traveler magazine and C-trip on 2 April, 2009, following an outstanding number of votes. Initially introduced by National Geographic Traveler, this award shows the level to which the Chinese cruise industry continues to grow, whilst similarly confirming the universal acceptance of the Costa Cruises brand by Chinese customers.
Following the launch of a consistent marketing campaign, the company’s brand image and competitive presence in China has been well recognised by both consumers and the media in the past three years. This was further enhanced by the campaign related to the movie "If You Are the One", rapidly increasing brand awareness nation-wide. A holiday experience onboard Costa Cruises ships, characterised by its Italian-style passion and romance, has come to epitomise the style of cruise holidays in China with the company’s tireless pursuit for high quality services yielding a customer satisfaction rate of 98%.
"The two awards we received are in recognition of our commitment and long-term contribution to the Chinese cruise market," said Massimo Brancaleoni, Vice President of Costa Crociere Pacific Asia Operations. "As the only international cruise company to operate different cruises 12 months a year in Asia, Costa launches fabulous cruise itineraries in line with market demands. To date, more than 60,000 Chinese tourists have enjoyed unforgettable holiday’s onboard Costa Cruises luxurious itineraries. In 2009, China’s cruise market entered a new stage of development. We remain optimistic about our growth in China and appreciate the continuing support of our customers, partners and relevant government authorities."
2009 will bear witness to the rapid development of Costa Cruises in China, with plans to increase Chinese investment in line with the growing demands throughout the local marketplace. From April 2009, Costa Cruises’ Chinese fleet will have its second member as Costa Classica begins sailing in the region. As one of the most popular ships in the fleet, the elegance and sophistication of Costa Classica will further promote Costa Cruises’ world-famous Italian cruise style, allowing even more Chinese tourists to enjoy a wonderful and memorable holiday.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
