Silversea renews commitment to Asia-Pacific on back of strong growth

**Ally** · 08-31-2007, 10:29 AM

Speaking during his recent visit to Australia, Silversea Cruises President, Amerigo Perasso, renewed his keen support of the Asia-Pacific market, on the reports of very strong growth for 2006.

On his first visit to Australia, Mr Amerigo thanked the industry for its strong support of Silversea Cruises, and noted to the remarkable leap of Australian cruisers to now hold 10% of the market share.

“2007 has been a record year for sales to Europe, representing 45% of all Silversea sales in Australia. In 2003 Australian guests represented just 3% of all our Silversea passengers, but by the end of 2006, Australians represented 10% of all passengers. A phenomenal 600% growth,” said Mr Amerigo.

“The strong Australian dollar has led to substantial 2007 sales increases for Silversea in the first six months of the year. The currency strength has also resulted in a significant increase in sales of high-end category suites and Australian travellers are choosing to take longer Silversea cruises.”

Mr Perasso attributed much of the line success to the all inclusive fares, smaller more intimate vessels, and network of unique destinations.

“There’s no doubt our increased investment in the Asia Pacific market over the past few years has helped trigger this growth. We now have an established Singapore Regional Office, strengthened our Australian and New Zealand operations and we see the luxury end of the Japanese market as an important new potential market,” he stated.

Silverseas is also getting ready to ramp up their service, with the introduction of a fifth ship to be launched in 2009. The 540-passenger, 36,000 GRT vessel is set to expand Silversea’s capacity by 40%.

An option has already been placed by Silversea on another sister vessel, and the current newbuild is being constructed right at this moment, by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

(ETB)