The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) welcomed two new members to the Asia Cruise Fund,Hainan and the Philippines, last week. Representatives from the four destinations signed an official agreement at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,where the two-day Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific (CSAP) conference and exhibition took place.Founded by the HKTB and the TTB in April this year, the Asia Cruise Fund aims at promoting regional co-operation in the area of cruise tourism, and motivating international cruise lines to deploy more ships to and increase their investment in Asia by supporting the development and marketing of cruise products featuring the port partners.
The fund’s two new members, together with the HKTB and the TTB, unveiled the news at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, where 400 delegates, including cruise line executives, representatives from port authorities and national tourism organisations,and media representatives, gathered for the welcome reception hosted by the HKTB.
The chiefs of the respective tourism organisations expressed excitement at seeing the alliance growing stronger. Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said: “When the HKTB initiated the concept of a cruise co-op fund, we envisioned a strategic alliance which benefits not only cruise lines through funding support for them to market their products, but also the member ports and the Asian region at large, as new itineraries and more ship calls to Asia ultimately enhance consumer interest in cruise travel in the region. We were pleased to receive Taiwan’s support for the idea back in February, which made the launch of the Asia Cruise Fund possible.
Source:-HKTB
