In a momentous gathering of industry titans, Asia’s largest cruise industry conference, the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific, has set sail in Hong Kong. This three-day conference marks a significant milestone as it convenes for the first time post-pandemic, bringing together approximately 300 global cruise industry leaders, including C-suite executives from 20 international cruise lines, cruise port operators in the region, and representatives from various tourism marketing organizations. Together, they are poised to chart the course for the future of the cruise sector in Asia, explore the potential of cruise tourism in the Greater Bay Area, and foster regional partnership opportunities.

Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific

Mr. Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, underscored the significance of Hong Kong as a cruise destination. He stated, “Hong Kong is one of the most photogenic ports for cruise travel. Thanks to the support of cruise lines, our ship calls are back to the pre-pandemic level. Enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a cruise destination will continue to be a major part of our tourism strategy, and we firmly believe that cruise lines’ deployment in Asia can become a greater success when there is a strong partnership of ports in the region.”

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), affirmed the positive outlook for Hong Kong’s cruise tourism. “The 2023 Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific is held in Hong Kong with the support of the HKTB. This not only testifies to Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s cruise hub but also signifies that the global cruise industry is warmly positive about the city’s upcoming development in cruise tourism. I am confident that Hong Kong’s unique edge will continue to attract Mainland visitors to embark on their cruise journey in Hong Kong while enriching the diverse experiences available to cruise travelers worldwide.”

Mr. Andrew Williams, President of Maritime Group of Informa Markets and the conference organizer, praised Hong Kong’s status as a world-class tourist destination. He stated, “Hong Kong is one of Asia’s main cruise hubs and a world-class tourist destination, boasting unique arts and culture, stunning natural landscapes, and international mega-events. It also benefits from a well-connected transportation network linking the mainland and global cities, which helps attract cruise passengers from all over the world to embark on their cruise journeys in Hong Kong and enjoy diversified experiences. We believe that choosing Hong Kong as the host city for the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific will undoubtedly create more business opportunities for the cruise industry.”

The event aligns with the HKTB’s flagship event, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, commencing on October 26th in Central Harbourfront Event Space. HKTB extends a warm invitation to trade partners attending Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific to immerse themselves in the festival’s wine and dining offerings from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and worldwide. This presents an opportunity for industry leaders to savour the city’s exuberant night-time vibes and explore various familiarization itineraries of different themes, showcasing Hong Kong’s allure as a diverse cruise tourism destination. These experiences will be shared with travellers worldwide, further promoting the city’s appeal.

As the conference unfolds, it reflects the resurgence of cruise tourism in Hong Kong. The latest figures reveal that 24 cruise lines have confirmed 135 ship calls to Hong Kong in the coming six months (November 2023 – April 2024), a remarkable feat comparable to the pre-pandemic levels of 2018 and 2019. This resurgence signals a promising future for the cruise industry in the region.

In conclusion, the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific conference in Hong Kong signifies the industry’s resilience and commitment to charting a course for the future in a post-pandemic world. With the support of industry leaders, the city’s unique attractions, and promising figures, Hong Kong is poised to be a key player in the revival of the cruise industry in Asia.

Written by: Jill Walsh

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