TravTalk - India

‘We understand Asian market best’

Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises, says the cruise line will continue to capitalise on its valuable experience to innovate offerings and unique experience­s for the Indian market and strengthen the brand presence in the country by expanding the

- Harshal Ashar

What are your expectatio­ns for this new cruise line?

Resorts World Cruises is a newly launched cruise brand, but with its deep Asian roots and over 50 years of affiliated experience in hospitalit­y and cruising, we are confident that the brand will continue to resonate with the trade and consumers in India. Having establishe­d a homeport like Singapore is important as it is one of the leading cruise hubs in Asia and a popular destinatio­n for vacationer­s from India. Subsequent­ly with our decades of affiliated experience in India and across Asia, we have the expertise to innovate offerings on the Genting Dream, including cuisine, on board activities, entertainm­ent, shore excursions and more that will appeal to different target segments in the region.

What kind of target numbers do you have in mind for the next 2-5 years?

The response of the launch for Resorts World Cruises in India has been overwhelmi­ng. Within two months of opening bookings, we secured over 20,000 cabins from the India market. We are optimistic that the flycruise demand will continue to be strong in the following years, as we continue to push our offerings to a wider market segment, including MICE.

What kind of strategy will you deploy for the India market?

We will continue to capitalise on our valuable experience to innovate new offerings and unique experience­s; from our onboard thematic cruising offerings to authentic vegetarian cuisine, including Jain menus. In addition, we will further strengthen our brand presence in India by expanding on our B2B and B2C network. We will continue to work closely with our travel and trade partners in India to equip them with the necessary training and tools to strengthen the Resorts World Cruises brand and product offerings in India.

How is this product different from cruise lines in the same product category?

As an Asian cruise line with deep Asian heritage, we understand the Asian market best and that is what sets us apart. With the launch of Resorts World Cruises, we had also reimagined

We are optimistic fly-cruise demand will continue to be strong in coming years, as we continue to push our offerings

our cruise offerings, redefining personalis­ed cruising lifestyle experience­s with diverse internatio­nal offerings. Our unique highlights include our High Energy Zones, packed with activities, as well as our Quiet and Chill Zones, for that alternativ­e relaxing atmosphere.

Please share perspectiv­e on the cruise landscape globally.

The global landscape has changed much over the last two years with the pandemic, which has impacted various industries, including the cruise sector. However, this situation has enabled cruise lines to reset their thinking and operations. Consumer mindset has shifted and safety and wellbeing are still a priority for many travellers. Due to this, cruise lines have evolved and adapted at unpreceden­ted speed to enhance its overall operations.

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President, Resorts World Cruises
Michael Goh President, Resorts World Cruises
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