The 3rd Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention, in association with Shanghai International Port (Group) Co. Ltd. and supported by the Asia Cruise Association, has invited Mr. Gautam Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing and India Representative for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., as a key speaker to present the India cruise opportunity. The convention scheduled from 26th to 28th September 2012 at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, will be attended by top cruise industry professionals from across the globe.

The Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention is an important platform for the cruise ship operators, governments, shipyards, suppliers, tour operators and all other stake holders to meet, share and discuss, regional opportunities for the development and promotion of cruise tourism. Acknowledged as the fastest growing tourism segment, cruise tourism attracts over 29 million vacationers globally. Asia is seen as the most exciting new and future market, both from a sourcing as well as destination perspective. With continued expansion across Asia, the outlook for cruise development in the region is hugely positive. Widespread investment in new cruise terminals is attracting more ships and more passengers, Asia’s shipbuilding sector and suppliers are looking to increase their engagement with the cruise industry and estimates of five million Asians cruising by 2020 are wholly realistic. Cruise tourism development is impossible without all strategies being preceded by an integrated and sustained development of the identified cruise ports. Examples from Singapore, Dubai and Shanghai have shown that developing quality cruise terminals are imperative for stimulating growth in cruise tourism.

Seatrade conducts conventions around the world based on geographies which present industry opportunities and that Asia is now on the map is a manifestation of its growing stature and importance. The example is China, where just 5 years ago there were virtually no cruise ships operating, today there are about a half a dozen cruise ships based or “home porting” in China, and, several dozen more ships visiting ports along the coast of China bringing guests from around the world and making significant contributions to the local economies.

Being a pioneer of the cruise industry in India, Mr. Gautam will be speaking on ‘India as a source market for the cruise industry’. Commenting about this opportunity Mr. Gautam Chadha, said “I feel honored to present India on such a major global platform and will be sharing an overview of the current Indian cruise industry with emphasis on its capacity as a source market.” On being asked about India’s future as a destination cruise market, he said, “The Cruise industry in the Asia Pacific region is witnessing tremendous growth and countries are realizing the far-reaching benefits of developing and investing in cruise tourism”. He added, “Despite an incredible variety of history, culture and unexploited white sand beaches along the 7500 km coastline and an over 300 million potential market size, India needs to present herself as both, a home port market, as well as a destination. We are an opportunity waiting to happen.”

Mr. Gautam Chadha has made immense contribution to the sector by opening up avenues for the cruise industry in India. With more than 30 years of experience and professional expertise in the global Travel and Hospitality industry, he inked an exclusive partnership with global giant Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. way back in 1993. His avant-garde travel marketing representation firm TIRUN Travel Marketing has made it possible for Indians to experience some of the world’s best cruises – from Royal Caribbean International’s innovative fleet of ships, to experiences of Modern luxury aboard Celebrity Cruises, to the elegance and boutique feel of Azamara Club Cruises. TIRUN caters to varied preferences through a fleet of 34 state of the art ships visiting over 300 destinations worldwide.

A few years ago the Government of India set up a “Steering Committee on Cruise Tourism” chaired by the Union Secretary, Shipping and Ports, to further the prospects of cruise tourism in India. The committee includes representation from the departments of Tourism, Home (Immigration and Security) and Finance (Customs). The chairmen of 5 major ports, Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi and Chennai are also members of this committee. Mr. Gautam is the sole private sector participant on the committee.