- Hong Kong, the Philippines, Korea and Xiamen met at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 to discuss managing the growth of cruise tourism in the region.
- The destinations are implementing favourable visa policies to make cruising the region more convenient.
- They also spotlighted their attractive cruise infrastructure and opportunity for cultural onshore excursions.
Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 looked very different for Australia and Asia. As Australia and New Zealand sent their
largest delegation ever to advocate for more ships in the region, Asia’s leading cruise destinations discussed how they would manage the exciting growth of cruise tourism in the region.
The much-anticipated annual gathering was themed “Connect & Discover: Asia’s Destinations Await,” and featured the four prominent destinations of Hong Kong, the Philippines, Korea and Xiamen.
The gathering showcased the region’s immense cruising potential. The four key destinations outlined plans to enhance cruise programs through their extensive resources, including favourable visa policies, incredible new infrastructure and attractive onshore offerings.
Seamless immigration procedures in Korea
Jeju Cruise Port in Korea, which will be hosting the 12th Asia Cruise Forum in July, will be the first port in Korea to adopt 38 units of new unmanned immigration checkpoints this year. It is hoped that this will make embarkation and disembarkation much smoother for travellers.
There are also plans to renovate the Busan Yeongdo Cruise Terminal to increase convenience for travellers. The terminal will temporarily cease operations until September for renovation.
This follows Korea’s continuing popularity amongst tourists, thanks to its mix of traditional markets, innovative technologies and stylish lifestyles.
Mr. Jae Min Park, Deputy Director, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea said, “We strive to ensure all cruise visitors enjoy a special cruise trip that combines Korea’s unique vibe, living traditions and modern charm.”
Hong Kong’s incredible cruise terminal
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is an iconic piece of transport infrastructure. Built on the old Kai Tak airport runway, the three-storey building featuring a classical Chinese garden, a Buddhist sanctuary and now a Sports Park.
The Kai Tak Sports Park, which has a capacity of 50,000, was designed to stage globally recognised events, such as the Hong Kong Sevens and concert world tours. Cruise visitors can also go shopping in its huge retail hub, or sit and enjoy views of the Victoria Harbour.
Beyond their cruise terminal, Hong Kong offers plenty of incredible onshore experiences, including Ocean Park (their much-loved theme park featuring twin cub pandas) and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The city also has an incredible charm that continues to attract tourists, whether through its bustling street markets or its diverse culinary scene.
Ms. Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), also stated that sustainability will be important for Hong Kong’s place in the global cruise trade. She said, “Beyond enhancing visitor onshore experiences, the HKSAR government is committed to expediting the adoption of shore power and green maritime fuels”.
The Philippines targets luxury cruise lines
The Ilocos Region in the north of the Philippines is quickly becoming a key cruise destination for tourists. The Philippines is enhancing the region’s ports including Salomague, Currimao, and Hundred Islands National Park, as a way to attract luxury cruise lines to the area.
In the Philippines, cruising is rapidly emerging as a major tourist beacon. Dr. Paulo Benito Tugbang, Director for Product Development, Philippine Department of Tourism said,
“Cruise tourism has achieved remarkable growth, with 300% increase in cruise passenger arrivals in the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023”.
The Philippines has also introduced a cruise visa waiver program, allowing foreign tourists arriving via cruise ships to enter the country without a visa for a limited time.
Dr. Tugbang said that this will, “streamline entry processes and attract more international cruise lines.”
Xiamen focuses on Minnan history and a new cruise terminal
The new Xiamen International Cruise Terminal 2 will open later this year, with the promise that security screening will clear passengers within an average of 10 minutes. The Xiamen International Cruise Homeport is located in the heart of the city, giving visitors easy access to transport and attractions, and making onshore experiences easy to coordinate.
Xiamen is also adding an immersive cultural theme park within the cruise terminal zone. Titled “Time Meets Island”, the show will take visitors on a journey through the Minnan history and culture. There will be a night market and performances, with the park set to open in the next few months.
There will also be favourable visa policies for cruisers coming to Xiamen. Ms. Wang Guodi, Deputy Director of Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism said, “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,”
“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.”
