MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-shian speaks during the first Asia Archipelago Cruise Alliance event Jan. 22 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of MOTC)
 

The first-ever Asia Archipelago Cruise Alliance event was held Jan. 22 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to revitalizing international tourism in Taiwan, Asia and beyond.

Organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Maritime and Port Bureau, the meeting was attended by public and private representatives from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. Also present were participants from major international cruise companies Coral Expeditions, Holland America Line, MOL Cruises, Princess Cruises, Resorts World Cruises, Royal Caribbean Group, and Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, demonstrating the importance of the Asian market to global cruise lines.

Citing projections by the Cruise Lines International Association, MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-shian said the sector is showing rapid recovery, with total cruise passengers expected to reach 3.57 million in 2024, up 13.3 percent from 3.15 million in 2023. Along with emerging preferences for more in-depth itineraries, island-hopping cruises have become increasingly popular, he added.

The deputy minister’s view was echoed by speakers from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, who remarked that island hopping enables international tourists to explore local cultures, cuisines and scenery in a way that medium and large cruise packages cannot.

In 2023, Taiwan achieved its goal of attracting 6 million international travelers, the MOTC said, adding that this year’s target is set at 12 million. The agency expressed hope that the AACA event will facilitate the expansion of island-hopping cruise routes in Asia, as well as closer collaboration between Taiwan and the region’s other island nations. (POC-E)