Europe’s no. 1 cruise company Costa Cruises steals the light at the Yeosu International Expo by unveiling its Asian program for the year 2013 with an increase of 90% in frequencies.
GENOA – Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s n.1 cruise company, took centre stage during the “National Day of Italy” held on August 2nd at the Yeosu International Expo in Korea.
The Costa Victoria (75,200 gross tonnage and 2,394 total Guests), a ship on permanent deployment in Asia as of last May, and berthed for the occasion at the wharf set up by the Expo organizers right inside the exhibition area, hosted the reception for the special National Day of Italy festivities. About 300 people, including local authorities and representatives of the Expo’s participating countries, toured the ship and had the opportunity to dine with an eye on Italian gastronomic excellence.
“We were the first company in the world to believe in the development of the cruise market in Asia and every year our cruises bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to ten thousands of Asian clients” – commented Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman of the Board of Costa Crociere S.p.A – “Therefore we could not miss this important showcase in Yeosu, dedicated to the best of Italian excellence. We wish to thank Ambassador Claudio Moreno for giving us this opportunity”.
Michael Thamm, Chief Executive Officerof Costa Crociere S.p.A. added: “Our programmes in the area are based on a long term commitment, that will continue also in the next years, as confirmed by the tremendous increase of our offering already scheduled rom May 2013. We will then position two truly Italian ships, Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica, to offer Asian Guests an Italian style cruise holiday experience”.
Costa Cruises’ involvement in “National Day of Italy” is part of the Italian company’s partnership project at the “Italy Pavilion” of the Yeosu Expo. Costa Cruises, the only cruise company flying the Italian flag, is committed to this important event in order to support its successful pioneering adventure in the Asian market, which already began in 2006, when Costa Cruises became the world’s first company to propose itineraries in Asia for local clientele. Since then, about 400,000 total guests have taken cruises on board ships operating in the area.
The Italian company is focusing on the emerging Asian markets also in terms of future growth. In 2013, the number of Costa ships operating in the area is expected to double, thanks to the arrival of the Costa Atlantica (85,700 gross tonnage and 2,680 total Guests) from May. The ship will operate together with the Costa Victoria. The double positioning of Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will further expand the number of Costa’s cruises in Asia with a 90 percent increase in the offering.
Costa cruises offer a unique and exclusive product for the Asian market based on the concept of “Italy at Sea” with Italian hospitality, design, shopping, artwork and gastronomy. Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong that should appeal to both Asians and Europeans. Destinations include the most beautiful places in Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea. In 2012 Costa will make 42 calls in Korea, which will increase to 81 in 2013 and, besides Yeosu, will also include Cheju and Pusan.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
