Opening Address by Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, at the Launch of the Singapore Cruise Centre’s Rejuvenated Cruise Terminal on Thursday, 29 November 2012 at 7.20pm
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
Introduction
1. I am happy to join you here at the launch of Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC)’s rejuvenated cruise terminal. Today’s event not only marks a milestone for SCC, it also signifies the continuing efforts of the Singapore cruise industry to re-invent and improve their value proposition. This will help them stay ahead of the competition in the regional cruise industry.
Asia - The Next Growth Market for Global Cruise Industry
2. The cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel and leisure sectors. Asia presents itself as an excellent source market for this growth, with rising middle-class affluence, and a strong increase in intra-Asian travel. I am excited to learn that leading cruise companies are actively looking to Asia as the next growth market for the global cruise industry. These would include the largest ships to homeport in Asia, such as Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Sea, and Costa Cruises’ Costa Victoria. I am also heartened to note that Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world with a combined fleet of over 100 ships, will be establishing its regional headquarters in Singapore to oversee its growth strategies and business expansion in Asia.
Regional Cruise Cooperation
3. Closer to home, Southeast Asia presents a rich and relatively untapped market for the global cruise industry, with its exciting variety of cultures, cuisines as well as leisure and entertainment options. The region’s many positive natural attributes, with more than 25,000 islands, year-round warm weather and calm waters, also make it an ideal cruise playground.
Singapore’s Vibrant and Dynamic Cruise Industry
4. Indeed, the cruise industry in Singapore has been developing steadily. In the last decade, cruise passenger throughput grew at a compounded annual rate of 3.6 per cent. In 2011, we welcomed 394 ship calls and close to one million cruise passengers. This year, we expect more than three times the maiden calls in Singapore, as compared to 2011.
5. Singapore is strategically located at the heart of South East Asia and offers a compelling proposition as a cruise hub of choice with a well-developed maritime eco-system, as well as a top-notch aviation hub. Singapore’s firm air-and-sea linkages put us in a strong position to develop the regional fly-cruise market and offer our cruise passengers seamless air-sea transfers. Our robust cruise industry eco-system with world-class infrastructure comprising established supporting industries such as ship repair, port and ground handling services, reinforces Singapore’s position as the regional homeport of choice.
6. The opening of the brand new Marina Bay Cruise Centre last month and now with a rejuvenated SCC terminal, all taking place within this year, is testament to Singapore’s commitment to ensure that cruise infrastructure keeps pace and supports the industry’s growth.
7. Singapore has been working closely with ASEAN member countries to promote cruise tourism, which would bring about significant economic benefits to the region. The continual upgrading of existing infrastructure is integral to seize the opportunities presented by Southeast Asia’s fast-growing cruise industry, and SCC’s decision to rejuvenate its terminal demonstrates the importance of quality port infrastructure for the cruise industry.
SCC’s Rejuvenated Terminal
8. SCC has created a brand-new cruise terminal experience through their $14 million upgrading and retrofitting project. SCC has enhanced its operational efficiency through optimising operational space, revamping commercial/retail mix, and upgrading terminal hardware and software. Physically, the stylised ‘holiday and garden’ theme of the cruise terminal also enhances the arrival experience of the passengers.
9. With its rejuvenated terminal, SCC will be better-placed to seize the opportunities presented by Asia’s fast-growing cruise industry, in the face of rising regional and global competition from other ports of call.
SCC’s Past Contributions and Its Role as an Integral Cruise Player
10. SCC has 21 years of industry experience and expertise as an integral cruise player in shaping Singapore cruise tourism landscape. To date, SCC has clinched 21 prestigious international and local awards for having the best turnaround port operations, port services, terminal operator and maritime safety and security.
11. SCC’s recent contributions to the regional cruise industry include its efforts to spearhead and launch the Asia Cruise Terminal Association, a regional forum for port operators, in 2011. This initiative served as an important platform for regional cooperation that assists port operators in upgrading and repairing their cruise infrastructure.
Concluding Remarks
12. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the management and staff of SCC on the launch of its rejuvenated terminal. I am confident that SCC, with its extensive industry experience, will continue to play an integral role in shaping Singapore as a leading cruise hub in Asia and the homeport of choice in Southeast Asia.
13. I am also pleased to note the close collaboration between SCC and Singapore Tourism Board to promote Singapore and the region to the global cruise audience. I look forward to more innovative and exciting cruise offerings within South East Asia, that will bring economic benefits for Singapore and our regional partners.
14. I wish all of you an enjoyable evening ahead. Thank you.