Viking is adopting a “very measured approach” to the Chinese market, according to CFO Leah Talactac, speaking on the company’s recent second quarter earnings call.
Despite having four European river vessels dedicated to Chinese travelers and a joint venture ship operating in China, Talactac emphasized that the market remains “a very small part of our business.”
Talactac highlighted that while Viking has successfully tailored its product for Chinese consumers, achieving high net promoter scores on these sailings, there are significant challenges, particularly concerning visas and airlift.
“These are challenges that we expect will eventually be worked out,” she noted, but for now, Viking is proceeding cautiously.
Viking’s Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the potential of the Chinese market but reiterating that the company would continue its measured approach.
“Over time, if we could crack the China market, that would be great,” Hagen stated.
However, he stopped short of providing any specific details about future plans or new ship deployments in China or for Chinese guests.
For now, Viking’s primary focus remains on its established markets, with China representing only a small fraction of its overall business.