Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/613755
34 | www.travelweekly-asia.com CRUISE Hong Kong Polytechnic University has taken a close look at the competitive cruise port environment in Asia and suggested ways in which Hong Kong might enhance its appeal as a regional hub. Professor Cathy Hsu, principal investigator of the university's School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), said that with more and more Asian countries and regions joining the cruise tourism business, "Hong Kong needs to further develop its competitive advantages and consolidate its position as a preferred port for cruise lines and cruise travel". "This study provides important information for the Hong Kong government to formulate strategic plans and draw policy implications to support the development of Hong Kong's cruise industry," Hsu said. The research project - funded by the Hong Kong SAR Government - included interviews and focus groups, and looked at the Asia- Pacific region where the cruise industry has started to explore new markets. "This is particularly true for the mainland China market as the number of mainland Chinese tourists taking cruises was related policies in support of the development of Hong Kong as a regional cruise hub. These are: DEMAND SIDE: ▪ Market to a three-hour radius region, maximising the benefits of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and high speed rail ▪ Increase Mainland residents' awareness of short-haul and long-haul itineraries ▪ Increase awareness/interest among Hong Kong residents of cruise holidays ▪ Educate Asian consumers about the nature of cruise SUPPLY SIDE: ▪ Continue to promote Hong Kong and bring ship deployment ▪ Strengthen transportation to/ from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal ▪ Encourage onboard immigration clearance ▪ Explore/develop new neighbouring ports to expand itineraries ▪ Attract more cruise lines to use Hong Kong as their (regional) headquarters ▪ Initiate cross-governmental agency collaboration CROSS-COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS: ▪ Regional collaboration: Avoid duplication of offerings and promote distinctive positioning of each port - Relax PRC passport holders' cruise travel permit regulation and arrange special visas for cruise passengers ▪ Trade association ▪ Cruise research and education HONG KONG'S CRUISE HUB STATUS FACES CHALLENGES The newly launched Kai Tak Cruise Terminal represents the Hong Kong government's firm commitment to establish Hong Kong as a regional cruise hub. expected to surpass one million for the first time in 2015," said Hsu. The rapid growth of the cruise industry in Asia provides excellent opportunities as well as raises big challenges to Hong Kong, the report noted. "The newly launched HK$8.2 billion Kai Tak Cruise Terminal represents the Hong Kong government's firm commitment to establish Hong Kong as a regional cruise hub," said Hsu. "While the development of port infrastructures in Asian cities and the growth of the Chinese outbound travel market reinforce Hong Kong's role, the city is also facing fierce competition from neighbouring ports such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou." The researchers noted that Singapore and Shanghai have declared their plans to become regional cruise hubs, while neighbouring economies such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan are aggressively expanding their cruise port infrastructure and trying to capture the rapidly growing Asian cruise traveller market. The project team presented strategies and policy implications in an attempt to facilitate the Hong Kong government to formulate and implement cruise tourism Hong Kong facing intense competition for cruise business from its neighbours. Photo Credit: leungchopa/iStock