COSTA CRUISES PARTNERS WITH SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD AND STRENGTHENS ITS OFFERING FOR INDIAN GUESTS-By Sachin Murdeshwar

COSTA CRUISES PARTNERS WITH SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD AND STRENGTHENS ITS OFFERING FOR INDIAN GUESTS

In 2013, Europe’s no. 1 cruise company will double its presence in the Far East with Costa Atlantica joining Costa Victoria, both sailing from the new Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS). The ships will offer Indian guests tailor made cruises, covering Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam

From Left To Right Nalini, Alessandro, Chang Chee & Srithar.

Mumbai, 22 August 2012(Sachin Murdeshwar): Costa Cruises – the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s no. 1 cruise company, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board - launched today during a joint press conference in Mumbai, a new offering for the Indian market to the Far East, onboard Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica. Designed to meet the Indian taste, the two itineraries departing from Singapore will enable guests to discover the best of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in just a few days.

The Italian company seeks to establish itself as a forerunner in the Asian market and confirmed its strong interest in India as a source market for itineraries in the Far East. From November 2012 to January 2013, Costa Victoria (75,200 gross tonnage, 2,394 total Guests and 246 cabins with balconies) will be based in the brand-new Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) to offer seven-day cruises and three or four-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand.

Furthermore in 2013, Costa capacity in the region will double (+112%) thanks to the arrival, in May of the Costa Atlantica (85,700 gross tonnage and 2,680 total Guests) that will operate together with the Costa Victoria. Costa Atlantica is a magnificent ship dedicated to art and cinema that offer 678 cabins with private balconies (64% of total number of cabins available), and 58 Suites. During the May and June, that are Indian high season, it will propose 3 or 4 days cruises in Thailand and Malaysia.

Singapore is gearing up to become a major cruise hub in Asia. In 2011, Singapore welcomed 394 ship calls and 942,000 in passenger throughput. From 2002 to 2011, the compounded annual growth rate for cruise passenger throughput was 3.6%. In 2012, the cruise landscape becomes even more exciting with major cruise lines either increasing their presence in Southeast Asia or deploying new vessels on maiden calls to Singapore.

The new deployments attest to an increasing recognition of Asia’s cruise potential, and herald the growing commitment of international cruise lines to tap the burgeoning Asian market with Singapore as the homeport of choice. When the MBCCS officially opens in late 2012, it will complement the existing cruise terminal Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront. Together, both terminals will offer an enhanced passenger experience and usher in an exciting era of cruise travel to Singapore and the region.

Costa cruises offer unique and exclusive products for the Indian market based on the concept of Italian hospitality, design, shopping, artwork and gastronomy. On the other side, the cruising company has developed a tailor-made cruise for Indian Guests with a short term itinerary ideal for Indian travel customs and restaurants that also offer Indian cuisine. With the exception of a few departures, both itineraries offer free travel for one or two children under the age of 18 if sharing the cabin with 2 adults.

“We are very excited by the opportunities this alliance represents” commented Dario Rustico, Sales and Marketing Central Europe, Africa, Middle East and India Director, Costa Cruises. “Singapore is a unique world city, famous for its blend of culture, cuisine, art and architecture. With these two ships sailing from Singapore’s new terminal, the company consolidates its pioneer spirit and leadership in the Far East: since 2011 we have increased by 300% our capacity within the region and our offering addressed also to the fast growing Indian market.”

Mr Chang Chee Pey, Executive Director, South Asia, Middle East & Africa for Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore constantly evolves its tourism landscape, offering innovative and enriching experiences to visitors. For our visitors from India, Costa Cruises is the latest experiential attraction that will make their stay even more memorable. With the new Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), we will double our berthing capacity and be able to welcome some of the largest cruise ships in the world. This is good news for Indian travelers to Singapore, as we will now be an important hub for enjoyable and easy-to-get-to cruises. As we promote “Singapore – The Holiday You Take Home With You” differentiated marketing campaign in India, travelers could include cruising and embark on Family Fun or Whirlwind Romance holidays. ”

India continued to be among the top five tourism receipts-generating source markets for Singapore contributing $1,103 million, excluding Sightseeing & Entertainment expenditure and among the top five international visitor-generating markets – with 869,000 visitors (representing an increase of 5% over 2010 visitor arrivals).