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Costa Cruises has once again demonstrated its leadership position in the Chinese cruise industry by winning the title of ‘Best Cruise Operator’ at the 2009 China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards on 31 July 2009. The prestigious award further confirms the universal acceptance of the Costa Cruises brand.
Initiated by Travel Weekly China, the ‘Best Cruise Operator’ award is the only all-round recognition prize for the cruise industry in the ‘2009 China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards’.
Costa Cruises was nominated by a professional jury and won the votes of almost 600,000 readers of Travel Weekly China, which again highlights Costa’s outstanding presence and leadership in the market.
As the first international cruise company to enter China, just three years ago, Costa Cruises has quickly established its solid reputation at the helm of the Chinese market. In April 2009, Costa Cruises welcomed its second cruise ship to China – the Costa Classica, and is the first and only international cruise company to have two ships operating simultaneously in the region.
In April and May 2009, Costa Classica successfully ran three chartered cruises for Amway to Taiwan, which were not only the first cross-strait cruise groups in history, but also solid proof of Costa Cruises’ excellent operation of MICE groups.
“To win such a prestigious award shows recognition of our long-term commitment to China,” said Leo Liu, China General Manager of Costa Cruises. “As the leading brand in the market, Costa Cruises continues to bring fabulous cruise holidays to consumers. We are very confident that the new regular Taiwan cruise programme will provide the next hot spots for Chinese tour groups and MICE travel. We remain optimistic about our growth in China and appreciate the continuing support of our business partners, relevant Government bodies and media friends.”
In January 2010, Costa will become the first international cruise company to operate regular Taiwan cruise itineraries for mainland tour groups. Costa Classica will offer 15 cruises departing from Hong Kong, visiting some of Taiwan’s most appealing cities: Taipei, Keelung and Taichung.
Costa Cruises will be increasing its investment in the Far East by replacing Costa Allegra (25,600gt and 1,000 total guests) with the larger Costa Romantica (53,000gt and 1,697 total guests) in 2010. Costa Romantica will join her sister ship Costa Classica in China in June 2010, which will allow even more passengers to enjoy a wonderful and memorable cruise journey.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
