Michelle Taylan, President of the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), joined leading figures in the cruise and tourism industries at Cruise World Asia 2024, held on October 9th in Singapore. The annual conference, organized by Travel Weekly Asia, brought together top experts and influencers in the travel and cruising sectors. Supported by major regional tourism associations like NATAS, MATTA, ASTINDO, PHILTOA, and TCBA, the event showcased the collaborative spirit of the Asia-Pacific tourism industry.
Taylan, a returning speaker at the event, highlighted the dynamic growth of the cruise industry and its appeal to a wider demographic. “Before, when we heard ‘cruise,’ we thought of retirees or those in their sunset years. But now, the demand for cruising is seen across a more diverse demographic, and that’s very exciting,” she said. This exciting trend opens up new avenues for travelers to explore the world.
Taylan, alongside other travel association leaders, emphasized the vital role of travel trade fairs and organizations in promoting and marketing cruises. “We can’t argue that cruise is traditionally a niche offer, that’s why it’s really important to have these travel fairs where we can better inform people about what they can get,” Taylan said. “With cruising, there’s as much importance to hospitality as there is to travel. It’s a whole other experience that we want our clients to get,” she added.
Looking ahead, Taylan identified significant potential in engaging local tour providers to cater to the growing demand for experiential travel. The Philippines, a renowned destination for experiential travel, serves as a prime example. “The Philippines is a great example for this, because we have such a diverse set of cultures. When you go to one province, they have this delicacy; when you go to another, they have rich textiles. So, imagine having to experience so much in just one go—this is what cruise offers us,” she said.
The increasing popularity of cruising, particularly experiential travel options, presents a thrilling opportunity for the tourism sector. Cruise World Asia 2024 served as a platform to discuss these trends, fostering collaboration and showcasing the exciting possibilities of this dynamic industry.
