Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific’s annual conference is anticipating an increase in attendance this year, indicating a growing interest in cruise in the region.

The third edition of the event will run for two days from 9 October to 10 October at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

This year 40 percent more attendees at expected to attend over last year. The size of the trade show floor is also up 20 percent compared to 2012.

Conference organser, UBM portfolio director Daniel Read said the uptake mirrored the growth of the cruise industry in the Pan-Asia market.

Mr Read said: “The opportunity the cruise lines bring to this market is unprecedented, especially when you take into account passenger sourcing for worldwide destinations and the shipbuilding and repair sector.”

The conference will kick off tomorrow with a sessions on the state of the cruise industry in Asia.

There are 22 guests speakers this year, including Celebrity Cruises chief executive Michael Bayley, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) chief executive Christine Duffy, CLIA Australasia general manager Brett Jardine and Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry.