Published on : Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hong Kong embarked on its first-ever international cruise forum this January at Hotel ICON. Hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), organised by Seatrade, and supported by the Tourism Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, the Seatrade Hong Kong Cruise Forum (22 to 24 January) has gathered under one roof more than 150 international professionals from the cruise industry, including representatives from the region’s port authorities and tourism bureaux. Through seminars, site visits, networking sessions and other activities, the participants exchange the latest information on cruise developments in Hong Kong and Asia, and develop business collaboration.
The forum has attracted not only itinerary planners and senior executives of land and shore operations from the world’s major cruise companies, but also representatives from cruise associations, national tourism bureaux and port authorities. The gathering provides the delegates with a platform to discuss such topics as “Hong Kong as Asia’s Cruise Hub”, “The Cruise Geography of Asia”, “The Region as a Source Market”, “Maximising the Economic Benefit of Cruise Tourism”, “Swift and Effective Terminal Operations”, and “Regional Co-operation to Promote Cruise Tourism in Asia”.
Among the speakers are industry heavyweights Mr Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO, Carnival Asia; Mr John Tercek, Vice President, Commercial Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd; Mr Bruce Krumrine, Vice President of Shore Operations, Europe & Exotica, Princess Cruises; Mr Antonio de Rosa, Vice President, Asia Fleet Operations, Costa Crociere S.p.A; Mr John Stoll, Vice President, Land & Port Operations, Crystal Cruises Inc; Mr Michael Pawlus, Director, Strategic Itinerary Planning & Scheduling, Silversea Cruises Ltd; Mr Graeme Adams, Vice President, Voyage Planning, Port & Land Programs, SeaDream Yacht Club; Ms Ong Huey Hong, Director, Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board; and Dr Zinan Liu, Chairman, Asia Cruise Association.
To give the participants greater insight into Hong Kong’s cruise development and diverse tourism offerings, the HKTB and Seatrade have arranged for international delegates and members of Hong Kong’s Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry to visit the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Delegates also have the chance to go on a number of themed land excursions, such as “Into Hong Kong’s Soul” to learn about the city’s history and living culture, and “Victoria Harbour 360o”, which offers participants the opportunity to admire Victoria Harbour from different angles. The HKTB hopes that these visits and experiences will inspire cruise executives to develop a greater number of itineraries and products featuring Hong Kong
Source:- HKTB
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