Output Value of Taiwan's Cruise Tourism Sector Forecast to Reach NT$4.125 Bn. This Year

With cruise travel in Taiwan being heavily promoted worldwide, such sector on the island is expected to finish this year with output value of NT$4.125 billion, according to Taiwan International Port Corp. (TIPC), a government-linked operator of commercial ports.

TIPC noted that its promotion of Taiwan's cruise travel has gradually paid off, as arrivals of both cruise liners and passengers from all over the world have notably increased over the past few years, to 200 and 300,000-plus, respectively, last year.

Another positive sign of the island's fast-growing cruise tourism sector is that over 20,000 cruise tourists on 8 cruise ships arrived in Huanlien Port, an international commercial port in the east of Taiwan, in May alone, both record highs, according to TIPC. The company estimates those passengers having contributed NT$150 million at least to the sector's overall output value, based on average spending of NT$7,500 per capita.

TIPC pointed out that Taiwan, to develop its cruise tourism sector, has lots of competitive advantages, including pivotal position in East Asia's cruise network; a well-developed yacht industry that can support maintenance and interior modifications of cruise ships; and rich cultural heritage and globally known tourist attractions, such as Taiwanese foods, the National Palace Museum, Taipei 101 Skyscraper and Taroko National Park.

In addition, TIPC noted, Taiwan also boasts international airports near commercial ports in both the north and south, which allow cruise travel agencies to easily offer foreign tourists tour packages with convenient transportation.

To further boost Taiwan's image in the global market for cruise travel, TIPC will hold a seminar on Asian cruise tourism in Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, southern Taiwan, June 18-19, where a number of international cruise lines, port operators, maritime transport service providers, and travel agencies will be present. (SC)