As Hong Kong seeks to boost its cruise industry, mainland Chinese ports are becoming strong competitors
Hong Kong-based operator Genting chooses a Guangzhou port as home base for its first Asia-targeted ship
The government is boosting the cruise industry to diversify tourism amid growing interest by international cruise operators in expanding their presence in the region. But the city is facing fierce competition from mainland ports thanks partly to the easing of visa policies.
Genting, a Hong Kong-based cruise operator and big player in the international market, chose Guangzhou over Hong Kong as the home port for its first Asia-targeted ship – a place closer to mainland luxury tourists.
Hong Kong welcomes three Cunard ‘Queens’ and will see more cruise liners dropping anchor in the city
The long underused Kai Tak cruise terminal should see 80 per cent more cruises next year, according to Commerce Secretary Greg So Kam-leung, but industry insiders worry that the short stay of high-value cruise vacationers won’t help boost local consumption much.
Michael Li, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said cruises ships usually dock in the city for less than one day before departing for their next destination, because Hong Kong sits in the middle of their world tour itineraries. It has therefore been hard for local retailers or hoteliers to share in the revenue such tours bring.
“Hong Kong still has a long way to go [to become a cruise hub]”, said Li.
Mainland ports became more popular in recent years in part thanks to the easing of visa policies.
