By
Laura Hyde |
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) expects a rise in ship calls, passengers and visiting cruise lines in 2025, according to operator Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WTC). The terminal hosted 98 cruise calls, including seven inaugural visits, in 2024.
“We anticipate an increased number of ship calls, passengers and visiting cruise lines in 2025, including seven inaugural calls, the first of which was Astro Ocean’s Piano Land on 6 January 2025,” said Jeff Bent, managing director for WCT. “Going forward, we look forward to cooperating with the new Kai Tak Sports Park, which is located about three kilometres away from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, by providing information about events taking place to disembarking cruise passengers, so they get a chance to participate in other exciting activities around town.”
In 2024 KTCT welcomed more cruise ship calls than the other three Greater Bay Area cruise terminals combined. “We maintained over 80 per cent market share of cruise ship calls in Hong Kong,” said Bent. “[As well as cruise visitors] every day, around 1,000 mainland Chinese visitors come to the large restaurant and adjacent shop at the cruise terminal. Tour groups that once blocked and congested the narrow streets in adjacent districts can now enjoy a beautiful view at the HK Cruise Terminal Banquet Centre and visit the lovely 23,000-square-metre rooftop garden after their meal.”
In December, KTCT hosted a full-day training workshop for nearly 100 travel agents which was sponsored by WTC and jointly organised with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), The Hong Kong Travel Agents Owners Association and Norwegian Cruise Lines. It was the second year in a row WTC had sponsored, hosted and organised the event, which saw the number of attending travel agents nearly double from 2023.
“[This event] further highlighted Hong Kong’s growing importance as a major international cruise hub,” said Bent. “Having a large body of qualified travel agents able to recommend the right cruises for the right guests is critical to the success of the market in the long run, and CLIA’s industry-leading training gave participants a solid introduction plus access to ongoing learning opportunities to help them, and their guests, on their journeys.”
Peter Kollar, head of international training and development at CLIA, led the in-person training, which gave participants the opportunity to enhance their cruise knowledge and sales techniques. “The workshop demonstrates the growing interest in cruising among Hong Kong travel agents,” said Kollar. “By providing comprehensive education and practical experience, we’re equipping these professionals to better serve their clients and capitalise on a thriving cruise sector.”
In 2025 KTCT expects the development and eventual implementation of a public transport network, known as a Smart and Green Mass Transport System (SGMTS), after approval from the government. A SGMTS uses technology to optimise efficiency and minimise the environmental impact of public transportation by utilising alternative solutions such as electric buses, trains powered by renewable energy, and intelligent route planning.
“We sought out related parties, such as the government, legislators, and engineering consultants to educate them to the needs of cruise passengers [for this system],” said Bent. “We shared passenger throughput data and profile information with the consultants working on the SGMTS, as well as operational flows, which they are taking into account for the station design. We also have made suggestions regarding additional buffer areas and exits from the building to better disperse passengers. We look forward to its construction here at Kai Tak.”