According to the projections for 2015 from Korea Tourism Organization, Korea with its 12 cruise ports generates revenue of over US$1.1 billion from cruise tourism. Whilst Korea is still a relatively new destination for the cruise industry, there is distinct optimism in the future potential of the cruise industry in Korea.
Having seen a spurt in cruise ship calls to 610 planned for 2015, and peaking at 1.1million passengers, the government is keen to ensure policy matches this drastic growth to guarantee the future sustainability of the market. This success has led to plans to construct additional cruise terminals nationwide to enhance facilities from the current three terminals to nine by 2020, plus a new cruise information center and customs and immigration facility.
The Busan Exhibition and Convention center in Busan, Korea will host the annual cruise industry event; Seatrade Cruise Asia on 11 and 12 June 2015. The challenges and opportunities for the region will be discussed at a dedicated workshop on Friday 12 June 2015 from 0900-1000 hrs.
Robert W. GUY Managing Director – Singapore & Malaysia for Destination Asia, who will moderate the session said, “Korea provides near ideal conditions for cruise ship calls, with many ports offering attractive close-by points of historic, scenic and cultural interest. The major cruise ports also understand the need for the development of infrastructure in order to handle ships of increasing size, with Busan already leading the way with their new 93,000m2 international cruise terminal as part of their port redevelopment. I am looking forward to the open discussions the ‘Focus on Korea’ Power Hour workshop will provide and to seeing the future of the industry in the region grow.”
