At the annual Cruise Shipping Asia conference today, Celebrity Cruises announced plans to create a single-branded organization in Asia. The new structure will take effect immediately.
Kelvin Tan will serve as Commercial Director-Asia Pacific for Celebrity Cruises. He and his team will be based out of Singapore, and will oversee the brand's commercial, marketing, trade support and sales in the region. He will continue to partner with the corporation's current International Representatives in the region, who successfully built a strong network throughout Asia.
"The Asia Pacific region has great potential for Celebrity Cruises, and this will best position the Celebrity brand for future growth in this dynamic region," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley. "There is a high percentage of affluent travelers in the region who are eager for more premium cruise options, which Celebrity Cruises can deliver. And, as a result of this development, our brand will get greater visibility, and our travel partners can expect even more attention and support. Kelvin is the perfect executive to spearhead our growth in Asia. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge, having strongly contributed to Royal Caribbean's expansion in Asia over the past eight years. He also is well respected by his peers throughout Asia for his passion and commitment to cruising. I am confident Kelvin will help put Celebrity Cruises on the Asia map and in the minds of affluent Asian consumers when considering a premium cruise holiday."
Starting this December 7, Celebrity Millennium's second consecutive Asian season will present a series of exciting 13- to 15-night cruises from Singapore and Hong Kong. The season will be capped with a 7-night Japan Golden Week cruise from Yokohama on May 3, 2014. After her Alaska season in the summer, Celebrity Millennium will return to Asia for her third season, which runs from September 12, 2014 till April 26, 2015. In addition to Celebrity Millennium's deployment in Asia, Celebrity Century will begin her first Asia season January 25, 2015, sailing a series of 7- to 14-night cruises from Singapore and Yokohama. The ship will visit 26 ports in 11 countries, including 10 first-time destinations for the brand: Yangon, Myanmar; Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; Dalian, China; Kanazawa and Otaru, Japan; Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi, Malaysia; Boracay and Manila, Philippines and Vladivostok, Russia.
