Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific interviews Rama Rebbapragada, Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association, on trends in the Asian marketplace

HAMILTON, N.J., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific –conference and trade show focusing on the emerging Asian-Pacific cruise industry— interviews Rama Rebbapragada, Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association and supporter of the Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific show. The Asia Cruise Association (ACA) is a leading cruise association dedicated to the development and promotion of the cruise industry in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Rebbapragada will be speaking at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacificat the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from September 17-18, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120515/NY07662)

Rama Rebbapragada, Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association, describes the opportunities to come in the rapidly growing Asian Cruise marketplace.

What do you see as the major opportunities in your market in the next 2 years?

RR: The continuing popularity of cruising as a mainstream vacation option within Asia coupled by the increased deployment of newer and larger ships into the region. The continuing growth in South East Asia and China and the re-emergence of markets such as Japan, not only as a destination but as source markets present huge opportunities for cruising in Asia.

Among the challenges the industry faces, which do you think are the most pressing?

RR: Port infrastructure development to accommodate large ships in ports of call within South East Asia and Japan is the most pressing challenge. CIQ and guest visa regulations in North Asia and certain supply chain related issues are also areas that needed to be addressed to make Asia a cruise industry friendly region. Travel agent training and increasing the number of travel agents selling cruises in Asia is another pressing need for the industry.

What do you believe are the most creative solutions to these challenges?

RR: Encouraging private investment in port development with certain incentives similar to what is going on in Europe should help smaller ports get upgraded faster to accommodate the increased capacity in the region. Partnering with tourism boards, trade associations and adapting industry certified training modules and customizing them to the local needs would help address the lack of knowledge on selling cruising within the trade community.

The Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific Conference and Exhibition

Rama Rebbapragada, Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association,will be speaking on topics such as these at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific conference at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from September 17-18, 2012.The conference will highlight the expanding infrastructure within the entire Asia-Pacific region. Plenary sessions will begin with a state of the industry discussion and be complimented by discussions on new build, refurbishment and refitting, destination planning and development and reaching the burgeoning Asian customer market. In-depth discussion on customer experience, travel agent engagement, government involvement and ports and development will be featured in the masterclasses.

Other world-renowned cruise experts speaking at Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific include: Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, Gianni Onorato, President, Costa Crociere, Roberto Giorgi, President, V.Ships, and Rama Rebbapregada, Associate Vice President, International Charters, Consumer Outreach & Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited and Chairman of the Asia Cruise Association speaking on the key drivers for industry growth.

About Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific

Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific is an annual event organized by UBM Live organizer of cruise and maritime events including: Cruise Shipping Miami, Marintec China, Naval Shore and Sea Japan.  Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific is supported by Asia Cruise Association, Florida –Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), International Cruise Council Australia (ICCA) and has the exclusive support of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) the global organization for the cruise industry.

To view all of the sessions please visit the website www.cruiseshippingevents.com/asia-conference.

To register and receive updates for Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific, please visit www.cruiseshippingevents.com/asia-register-now.

For exhibiting information contact: sales@cruiseshippingmiami.com

Media Contact: Allison Dowd, Cruise Shipping Portfolio Brand Marketing Manager, 609-759-4702, allison.dowd@ubm.com, or Caitlin Devlin, Cruise Shipping Portfolio PR Manager, 609-759-4735 caitlin.devlin@ubm.com.

About Cruise Shipping (http://www.cruiseshippingevents.com)

The Cruise Shipping Portfolio organized by UBM Live includes Cruise Shipping Miami, Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific, Seatrade Med and an array of digital products including webinars and Cruise Shipping Virtual online tradeshows. Since 1985 Cruise Shipping Miami has been the world's premier annual event for the global cruise industry, featuring a three-day exhibition and four-day conference that draw more than 11,000 attendees and over 900 exhibiting companies from 120 countries. Focused on the emerging Asia-Pacific region, Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific's tradeshow, conference and social program are the gateway to tomorrow's marketplace. Seatrade Med's exhibition, conference, travel agent training and social events constitute the Mediterranean region's largest cruise gathering. Using cutting-edge technology, Cruise Shipping Virtual's online events include educational and networking virtual tradeshows and webinars accessible via computer.

UBM Live is a division of UBM plc, a leading provider of business information services to the maritime, travel, fashion, technology, healthcare, media, and property industries. UBM Live offers services in trade shows, online, news distribution, and publishing to customers across the globe. Its brands are represented in more than 30 countries and are organized into specialist teams that serve their business communities helping them excel in their market by working effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to www.ubmlive.com.

About UBM Asia (http://www.ubmasia.com)

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia operates in 18 market sectors with headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia, including UBM China in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Beijing. We have over 200 products including trade fairs, conferences, trade publications, B2B/B2C portals and virtual event services. As Asia's leading exhibition organizer and the biggest commercial organizer in the two fastest growing markets in Asia: China and India, we stage the leading events of their kind across Asia. Our 150 events, 24 publications and 18 vertical portals serve a 1,000,000 plus quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world with high value face-to-face business-matching events, quality and instant news on market and industry trends and round-the-clock online trading networks and sourcing platforms. We have 1,000 staff in 21 major cities across Asia, stretching from Japan to Turkey.