The Asia Cruise Association (ACA) has appointed Kevin Leong as General Manager of the association from 1 July 2012. ACA Chairman Rama Rebbapragada said, ”This appointment is timely and represents the next phase in the development of the ACA. A lot of good work had been done over the past three years, but with the increased interest in the growth of the industry, there is a lot more that can be accomplished. The General Manager will give even more focus and direction which is needed to continue the good growth in the cruise industry in Asia.”

Kevin was formerly with the Singapore Tourism Board for 36 years, serving in a variety of portfolios that included international marketing, MICE and events marketing. He also spent 8 years with the STB’s New York office and 6 years in their Sydney office. In 2006 while in the Sydney office, he chaired the ASEAN Cruise Working Group to co-ordinate the development of the regional cruise industry for the 10-member countries. It was the beginning of his involvement with the industry leading to his current position with the ACA.

Kevin said, “I look forward to co-ordinating the efforts of the ACA members in two main areas – the training of travel agents as cruise specialists and the promotion of port development to enhance the existing range of cruise itineraries. It will also be important to create greater awareness of cruising among the public and industry stakeholders through industry events, the media and social networks.” 

ACA is Asia’s largest cruise association dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry in Asia. To join its mission in promoting the commercial and professional development of cruise industry, ACA invites all cruise industry stakeholders to join the Association as members. Its ordinary membership is for firms or corporations that operate cruise lines in the Asia region, and its associate membership is for businesses or corporations such as tourism boards, ground handlers, ship chandlers and suppliers, ship services and repair, port authorities, port agents, and travel agents. Companies that are interested to join ACA can refer to its websitewww.asiacruiseassociation.com for more information.