The 2024 Taiwan Cruise Forum, hosted by Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), opened on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei.

This year’s theme, “Asia’s Cruise Hub – Innovation and Cooperation Powering Taiwan’s Cruise Industry Forward,” is focused on the growth of the cruise sector in Asia.

The morning session featured keynote speeches from TIPC, the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) and the Tourism Administration. An afternoon discussion with representatives from the International Cruise Council Taiwan (ICCT), the Association for Cruises Development of Taiwan (ACDT), and cruise lines including Resorts World Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises explored ways to strengthen cooperation between ports and cruise operators. The forum also highlighted Taiwan’s port-city development as a model for global ports, TIPC said in a statement.

MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Kuo-Shian Lin emphasized the ministry’s focus on creating user-friendly transportation systems that connect ports with local cities, facilitating easy access to Taiwan’s tourist attractions. TIPC President Chin-jung Wang discussed Taiwan’s investment in modern port infrastructure and announced new incentives for 2025 and 2026 to attract more cruise calls.

Following the Tourism Administration’s discussion of national tourism attractions and promotion incentive programs, representatives from county and municipal governments highlighted local tourism attractions, emphasizing Taiwan’s appeal for cruise passengers. Discussions also emphasized the importance of training professionals for the cruise industry, with a focus on building a competitive workforce to support long-term growth. Cruise line representatives expressed confidence in Taiwan’s future as a cruise destination and promised new itineraries visiting the city.