The fifth annual Asia Cruise Forum Jeju saw an estimated 1,500 participants from 19 countries during its August date, according to a press release.

“The forum has highlighted the necessity of constant cooperation among Asian cruise organizations while highlighting various strategies of development,” read a statement from the organizers.

The 2017 Asia Cruise Forum Jeju was hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, and co-organized by the Jeju Tourism Organization and Jeju Cruise Industry Association.

Speakers included Royal Caribbean’s John Tercek, vice president; and Princess Cruises’ Anthony Kaufman, executive vice president international; Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises; and David Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China.

During the forum, in-depth discussions took place regarding the diversification of cruise market in Asia.

The Asia Cruise Leaders Network (ACLN), Asia Cruise Terminal Association (ACTA), Cruise Lines International Association North Asia (CLIA NA), and Asia Cruise Service Network (ACSN) executed an agreement for mutual cooperation and solidarity to support member activities and promote the exchange of information and human resources.

The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Keelung port Corporation of Taiwan also entered into an agreement of mutual cooperation for common development. Under the agreement, the two organizations promised to proactively cooperate to promote each party’s port of call and expand cruise ship use of those ports.