Hamburg is becoming the key platform for the cruise industry
Hamburg, 14 March 2013 -(ASIA TODAY)- The importance of Hamburg as one of the most attractive and fastest growing cruise locations will be underscored again in 2015. The Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention (9 to 11 September 2015) and the Hamburg Cruise Days (11 to 13 September 2015) will be held in close succession, bringing these two major cruise events closer together.
The plans for this internationally unparalleled cruise event were presented by Bernd Aufderheide, President and CEO Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, and Thorsten Kausch, Managing Director Hamburg Tourismus GmbH, at the “Hamburg Cruise Day 2013” at the International Travel Trade Show ITB in Berlin. They signed a joint declaration of intent, setting out their goal of strengthening Hamburg’s position as one of the world’s major cruise locations.
“Hamburg will move even more into the focus of the cruise industry in 2015. Seatrade Europe is the cruise industry’s most important international trade show outside the USA. This is where the industry decision makers and insiders meet, hold discussions, and set new trends. This interaction with the Hamburg Cruise Days will make Hamburg the greatest platform for the cruise industry,” said Bernd Aufderheide.
“The Hamburg Cruise Days have become the most attractive event for the general public in the cruise industry,” added Thorsten Kausch. “They give people a chance to experience the fascination of cruising directly, and Hamburg’s maritime identity helps to reinforce the positive image they have of Hamburg. Putting Seatrade Europe and Hamburg Cruise Days together will substantially increase Hamburg’s international impact.”
The situation is excellent for this year’s leading European convention for the industry, that is Seatrade Europe – Cruise & River Cruise Convention, held at the Hamburg Fair site from 24 to 26 September 2013. While the North American cruise market, which is still the world’s leading cruise market, has stagnating figures, the number of cruise passengers in Europe is steadily increasing – and the trend continues.
Cruising is becoming more and more popular especially in Germany. Germany is the undisputed world leader in river cruising. And this year the German cruise market is also expected to overtake the UK as Europe’s top ocean cruising nation.
With 173 calls expected in 2013, Hamburg is Germany’s most popular port for embarkation and disembarkation, taking top place in the German cruise ranking. And this positive development also boosts interest in Seatrade Europe as the leading European cruise convention. The 2013 event, held at the Hamburg Fair site from 24 to 26 September 2013, is the seventh in the series. Some 300 exhibitors are expected from more than 50 nations, including shipbuilding companies, equipment companies and ship suppliers, tour operators, ports, classification companies, tourism organisations, hotel and catering companies, and IT service providers. The accompanying trade conference regularly attracts the top people in the industry.
Press contact:
Karsten Broockmann, Head of Press and Public Relations
Tel.: +49 40 3569 2090, E-mail: karsten.broockmann@hamburg-messe.de