Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So welcomed the arrival of cruise ship Ovation of the Seas to Hong Kong for the first time.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Mr So said cruise tourism in Hong Kong has recorded steady and sustainable growth.
"In 2013 we had nine calls by cruise ships. In 2014 we had 28. In 2015 we had 56. And then this year we will have 97 ships coming. And next year, according to the latest figures, we will have 150. Now from nine to 150 within such a short time, you can see that Hong Kong, as a port, very much has its appeal, attracting these cruise companies using Hong Kong as homeport."
He added that when the Kai Tak Development is completed, it will bring Hong Kong cruise tourism to new heights.