Last month Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced he will relocate back to Miami in August to take up the new role of avp strategic planning for international.
In the lead up to this promotion, Treacy played a key role in growing both the Australia and Singapore markets during his total four years in the Asia Pacific region.
In his new role Treacy will be looking at areas with potential demand for future growth. ‘Obviously this includes all of Asia,’ he remarked, adding, ‘I will still be involved in this dynamic market and it will be fun to watch it grow.’
He reflected that so much has happened in Asia in the last few years due to the dynamic market and fast growth, including the role and relationships with partners in the travel trade and staff. ‘Imagine what 10 years will bring,’ he added.
Treacy’s trade contacts will surely miss the gentle, towering, always-smiling man. He said he'll miss Singapore, and has enjoyed living there because of its multicultural colour and cuisine.
‘It’s the most fun I have had career-wise,’ Treacy said.
Among the highlights of his time in Singapore was a record year of sales in 2017 with three Royal Caribbean International ships, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, operating their longest season ever.
‘The season was extended to 10 months to become more relevant in this market,’ he explained. ‘Having cruise ships based in Singapore during the region’s school holiday season in May and June helps raise our profile in market, particularly with Indians and Indonesians.’
Voyager of the Seas is being chartered during the major Indonesian national holiday of Lebaran this June. RCCL’s key markets sailing out of Singapore match the major markets of Singapore tourists arrivals, namely China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia and Australia.
‘ASEAN has a lot of upside,’ he said. ‘There are around 30 cruise ports throughout Southeast Asia, many considered attractive.'
Treact sees Thailand as an up and coming source market. ‘Three years ago it was not really on the cruise map but we are now getting several thousand Thai passengers.’
Cruise penetration rates in the region are still low. Some 1m China tourists come to Singapore but only a small percentage take cruises. To realize more potential Royal Caribbean is educating agents, creating brand awareness and differentiating itself, given the greater cruise competition in the region.
As Treacy leaves, Mariner of the Seas will also be leaving Singapore waters soon, with Voyager of the Seas taking its place and Spectrum of the Seas coming next year.
Angie Stephen, currently avp, market development, China, will relocate to Singapore to take on Treacy’s role.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.
