First-of-a-Kind Partnership to Propel Cruise Growth in Southeast Asia

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry's global trade organization, announced a new three-year partnership today that is aimed at boosting the increasingly vibrant cruising industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia. 

STB and CLIA will tap their complementary strengths to undertake travel agent training, augment destination marketing efforts, spur regional port development and exchange technical and regulatory best practices.

The three-year strategic partnership marks CLIA's first collaboration with a National Tourism Organization in Asia. It comes at a time when cruising in Southeast Asia, home to some of the world's fastest growing economies, is fast picking up steam. CLIA's most recent Asia Cruise Trends¹ reported that Southeast Asia contributed close to 20 percent of Asia's passengers.

In the first year of the partnership, STB and CLIA plan to conduct travel agent training in priority cruise markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia and India. With the majority of cruise bookings made through travel agents, these training sessions aim to enhance travel agents' cruise sales skills overall and knowledge of Southeast Asia cruises, in particular. The partnership will leverage CLIA's professional training capabilities and STB's travel trade networks in the region.

"STB is pleased to enter into a partnership with CLIA that is both meaningful and strategic. As Southeast Asia's cruise industry is still in a nascent stage of growth, this partnership draws on CLIA's expertise, networks and platforms, as well as STB's strong understanding of regional travel trade and market nuances, to shape and spur growth in this region. We look forward to working closely with CLIA to develop Southeast Asia as a vibrant cruising destination," said Mr. Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.

"CLIA is committed to supporting the developing cruise industry in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Our expertise in travel agent training, knowledge of best industry practices and extensive global networks will complement the Singapore Tourism Board's regional expertise," said Cindy D'Aoust, President and CEO, CLIA. "The STB has been a valuable partner for CLIA; through this further collaboration we will strengthen and grow the cruise industry in Southeast Asia."

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For media queries, please contact:

Lee Jian Xuan
Manager, Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
Tel: +65 6831 3674
Email: [email protected]

Sarah Kennedy
Manager, Public Relations
Cruise Lines International Association
Tel: 703-628-7389
Email: [email protected] 

Jiali Wong
Regional Manager ? Asia
Cruise Lines International Association
Tel: +65 98286570
Email: [email protected]

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore's key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com or follow us on Twitter @STB_sg (https://twitter.com/stb_sg).

About Cruise Lines International Association ? One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 25 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. The CLIA Community is comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.

¹ Source: CLIA's Asia Cruise Trends 2017 study at https://www.cruising.org/about-the-industry/research/asia-cruise-trends-2017

SOURCE Singapore Tourism Board