Viking Cruises is making waves in China’s burgeoning cruise market, targeting sophisticated Chinese travelers seeking high-quality overseas cruise experiences. With China expected to become the world’s largest cruise market by 2035, Viking Cruises is strategically positioned to ride this growth wave.
The Surge in Chinese Cruise Tourism
Chinese tourists are increasingly looking for unique and high-quality cruise experiences, especially during the extended eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday. Industry experts predict a surge in the number of Chinese tourists taking cruise trips abroad.
Viking Cruises’ Market Entry
Earlier this year, Viking Cruises became the first cruise company to resume outbound European river cruise operations for Chinese travelers. Their Rhine River cruises have been sold out or almost fully booked, particularly for the fall season.
Aligning with Market Preferences
“Chinese consumers are increasingly prioritizing value and quality over price,” says Brendan Tansey, managing director of Viking Cruises China. The company believes that their strategy aligns well with the evolving preferences of the Chinese market.
Future Prospects and Challenges
By 2035, approximately 14 million Chinese consumers are expected to take cruise trips annually. However, to further drive the growth of travel demand, supportive policies and products that meet market demand would be critical, according to Viking Cruises.
Beyond Viking Cruises
Other operators like Royal Caribbean are also launching new itineraries from Shanghai to various Japanese destinations, indicating a competitive and evolving market.
Viking Cruises is not merely resuming operations post-pandemic; they are strategically aligning their services to meet the demands of the Chinese market. With China poised to become the largest cruise market globally, Viking Cruises and other operators are gearing up for exciting times ahead.