Source market potential of Greater China is 83m passengersSource market potential of Greater China is 83m passengers

The findings of the Asian Cruise Consumer Behavior Study, presented by HKTB executive director Anthony Lau, on the opening day of CSAP2014, and conducted in six major urban areas in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan revealed the number of people interested in taking a cruise in Hong Kong - including the Pearl River Delta - and Taiwan equates to 19m potential passengers.

The data, collected by 21 focus groups undertaking 3,500 surveys, suggested the figure could increase to 54m taking into account the high speed train linking Hong Kong to Central China and all its cities.

The study showed there is a ‘high awareness’ throughout mainland China of cruising as a holiday option with the number ranging from 86% in Beijing to 94% in Shanghai and 97% in Hong Kong and Taipei.

Of those canvassed, 69% of families and 51% of those aged 20 to 29 with no kids said they intend to cruise whilst 11% of those between 46 and 60 years old said they would.

Lau said that the quality and diversity of cuisine and free WiFi onboard are 'attractive' to would-be cruisers, whilst the preferred duration of cruise is 6-7 days.