Taiwan International Ports Corp. collaborated with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration to showcase the benefits of the country’s harbors at its pavilion at the 40th edition of Seatrade Cruise Global underway through April 11 in Miami.
At the event, TIPC gave a comprehensive overview of domestic port operations and progress on port infrastructure projects while highlighting the harbors’ advantages for international cruise companies, such as fee reductions and optimized customs clearance procedures.
TIPC also took the opportunity to hold direct exchanges with 10 international cruise operators, including Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Dialogue centered on docking planning and harbor services.
The pavilion and exchanges gave overseas businesses more insight into Taiwan’s ports, the MOTC said, adding that TIPC placed particular emphasis on the development potential of Taichung Port in the central city and Anping Port in the southern city of Tainan.
According to statistics from the U.S.-based Cruise Lines International Association, global cruise passengers hit 31.5 million in 2023, surpassing prepandemic levels, though the Asian market is still recovering.
Comparatively, Taiwan’s cruise business is rapidly reviving, TIPC said, adding that 565 cruise ships are forecast to visit the country this year, with the number of visitors expected to exceed one million.
TIPC pledged to continue collaborating with the TA and local governments to enhance Taiwan’s visibility as a major Asian cruise destination. (POC-E)
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