Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So today highlighted the Government's commitment to developing cruise tourism in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony for Quantum of the Seas - the largest cruise ship that has ever berthed at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Mr So said its arrival marked an important milestone in the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.
He noted that the vessel demonstrated the city’s capacity to receive mega-size cruise ships and was a vote of confidence by international cruise lines in the Hong Kong market.
Completed in 2013, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal has the capacity to accommodate simultaneously, two mega-size cruise ships with gross tonnage of 220,000. Mr So said the Government is improving the terminal’s supporting infrastructure, including its transport connectivity.
The Government is also investing in promoting the cruise industry in Hong Kong. The Tourism Board is promoting Hong Kong as an Asia cruise hub all over the world by holding joint promotional campaigns with different cruise lines which feature the city as one of the best cruise destinations.
"With the Government's firm commitment to invest in cruise tourism development in Hong Kong, we are happy to see that more and more cruise lines are deploying cruise ships for itineraries covering Hong Kong,” Mr So said.
In 2014, ships from eight cruise lines berthed at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, and it is expected that 10 will berth there this year and 17 next year.
"We are optimistic with the future of cruise tourism in Hong Kong and we are sure that international cruise lines are holding an equally, if not more, affirmative business outlook on Hong Kong's cruise industry," Mr So added.
