By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has joined with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) to develop a regional ‘Asia Cruise Fund’ to help Asian ports develop the region’s cruise tourism market.
Announced at Cruise Shipping Miami 2014, the fund will be effective from 1 April and will run for three years. Participating ports will contribute to the fund, which will be used to subsidise cruise operators to help them develop and market their products in the region. All participating cruise lines are required to deploy vessels from at least two participating ports or territories in a single itinerary.
“Given our geographic advantage and our existing infrastructure, Hong Kong has already proven it has everything it takes to be the cruise hub of Asia,” said Philip Yung, commissioner for tourism, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. “By working with neighbouring ports in the region, we believe we can make Asia an opportunity too good to miss for international cruise companies – both as a destination and as a rich source of potential passengers.”
According to a recent report released by the United Nations Development Program, by 2030, around two thirds of the world’s middle-class population will be based in Asia and will be seeking new ways to spend its leisure time. In view of this trend, Asian ports have pledged to work together to promote and develop the region’s appeal to international cruise lines and passengers.
“The launch of the fund marks a significant step towards regional cruise cooperation, which is vital if the industry is to successfully tap the potential created by the growing population of Asia’s middle class and booming outbound travel over the next decade,” said Anthony Lau, HKTB executive director. “We believe the fund will show our dedication and commitment to cruise tourism development and reinforce cruise operators’ confidence in deploying more ships to Asia, benefiting not only the participating ports but also cruise lines and other industry stakeholders.”