By
Alex Smith|
Representatives from Hong Kong, Korea, the Phillipines and Xiamen highlighted their investments in infrastructure and support for the cruise industry at a lunch session on the opening day of Seatrade Cruise Global.
The session, named ‘Connect & Discover – Asia’s Destinations Await’, saw the four cruise destinations highlight the resources and favourable policies they have taken to grow cruise tourism in the region. Hong Kong’s representative Joanne Chu, deputy commissioner for tourism for the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighted the recent launch of the Kai Tak Sports Park stadium in the neighbourhood around the city’s cruise terminal, as well as the government’s sustainability initiatives.
“Beyond enhancing visitor onshore experiences, the HKSAR government is committed to expediting the adoption of shore power and green maritime fuels,” said Chu. “This dovetails with the future-proof directions and long-term sustainable growth of the global cruise trade.”
Jae Min Park, deputy director of Korea’s ministry of oceans and fisheries, highlighted the upcoming 12th Asia Cruise Forum, to be held in Jeju, Korea, from 10 to 12 July. Jeju will also become the first port in Korea to adopt 38 units of unmanned immigration checkpoints in 2025 in an effort to speed up immigration procedures, while plans are in place to renovate the Busan Yeongdo Cruise Terminal to improve operational efficiency.
“We will continue to improve port facilities and systems so that tourists visiting Korea can enjoy cruise travel more conveniently in the future,” said Park. “We strive to ensure all cruise visitors enjoy a special cruise trip that combines Korea's unique vibe, living traditions and modern charm.”
Representatives from Hong Kong, Korea, the Phillippines and Xiamen shared their cruise initiatives
The Philippines discussed its efforts to develop terminals across the multi-island country to receive cruise visitors. In the Ilocos Region in the north of the archipelago, the Philippines government is developing the ports of Salomague, Currimao and Hundred Islands National Parkas, with 6000 guests arriving in the first two months of 2025.
In the south of the country, meanwhile, the $10.57 million Jubang Port cruise terminal was completed in Dapa, Surigao del Norte in 2024. More terminals are under development in Alegria, Coron, Puerto Galera and Balbagon to boost capacity for visiting cruise ships.
“Cruise tourism has achieved remarkable growth, with a 300 per cent increase in cruise passenger arrivals in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023,” said Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, director for product development at the Philippine Department of Tourism. “The government has introduced a cruise visa waiver programme, allowing foreign tourists arriving via cruise ships to enter the country without a visa for a limited period, as an initiative to streamline entry processes and attract more international cruise lines.”
Finally, the Chinese city of Xiamen showcased the new Xiamen International Cruise Terminal 2, which is set to open later in April. The terminal features a security process that will clear passengers in an average of 10 minutes and is located in the centre of the city to allow passengers fast access to attractions. These will soon include the ‘Time Meets Island’ theme park within the cruise terminal zone, which will showcase the history and culture of the region through themed areas, performances and a night market when it opens in the first half of 2025.
“We have implemented a 144-hour visa-free transit policy, offering visa-free treatment to nationals from 54 countries and eligible tourist groups arriving in Xiamen via cruise ships,” said Wang Guodi, deputy director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of culture and tourism. “Cruise passengers can enter China visa-free through Xiamen and stay for up to 10 days, providing ample time to explore cities across the country.”