Taipei, Dec.4, 2012 (CENS)--Being optimistic about cross-strait cruise line business, Xiamen Port Holding Group Co. (XPGCO) is negotiating with Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) to partner in offering cruises cross-strait and in Asia, with TIPC chairman D.S. Xiao asking staffers to evaluate investment feasibility in such cooperation.
Xiao indicated that as Kai Tak Airport (Hong Kong) will be transformed into a cruise liner port in June 2013, the development will help drive Taiwan's tourism with cooperation in cruise line operation between Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.
Xiao stated that U.S and Europe are the largest markets for cruise liners, but have suffered remarkable shrinkage in the recent two years due to economic downturn, hence forcing cruise operators to focus on Asia. With enormous market potential in China, Taiwan's tourism may be further fueled by the cross-strait cooperation in cruise line operation.
If cross-strait cruises are set up, ships will sail southward from Xiamen to Penghu, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Sanya (Hainan Island), and Halong Bay (Vietnam), with northward liners to begin from Penghu to Taichung, Keelung, Shanghai, Okinawa, and Fukuoka.
Xiao stated that the cruise-line home-port business in Taiwan has been in existence for many years, especially in Keelung Harbor. With a ship normally taking 1,500~2,000 passengers from each country, Taiwan's port and tourism development can expect to benefit from the collaboration.
