kuala lumpur: Malaysia is paving its way to becoming Asia’s preferred cruise destination, establishing itself as one of the hotspots for international cruise ships operating in the region.
As cruise tourism becomes increasingly important in boosting Malaysia’s international appeal, several cruise lines have begun to recognise Port Klang as an essential destination on their schedules.
Italian cruise ship Costa Cruises will be sailing from Port Klang to various destinations in Southeast Asia as the company announces plans to expand its presence in Asia and offer itineraries that include popular destinations for Malaysian travellers such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
At a ceremony earlier this year, Transport Minister Anthony Roque welcomed Costa Cruises’ decision to designate Port Klang as its international homeport. Costa Serena It will boost Malaysia’s tourism sector.
He said the collaborative endeavour between Costa Cruises and Hwajing Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd (HTT) could bring economic benefits and lasting advantages to the country.
Loke said Costa Cruises’ recognition of Malaysia as a promising market, coupled with HTT’s established reputation in cruise tourism in Southeast Asia, highlights the two companies’ shared vision of collaboration to develop the country’s halal cruise market.
He wrote about the establishment of Port Klang Costa SerenaThe first international cruise homeport is a milestone and will catapult Malaysia into a leading international cruise destination.
“This will position Malaysia as a regional leader in job creation in the cruise industry, and also provide a boost to supporting sectors such as accommodation, food and beverage, transport and retail.”
“The designation of Port Klang as an international cruise homeport will open the door to joint ventures with other regional ports and lay the foundation for a network of intersecting cruise routes,” Mr Loke said.
HTT managing director Kenny Cheong said the company had capitalised on the growing cruise tourism market, expanding its cruise offering through its partnership with Costa Cruise Lines and introducing diversified travel routes.
“We aim to appeal to a wider range of travellers, from short weekend getaways to longer voyages across international waters. In particular, Halal It will expand the market and further strengthen our offering,” he said. SunBiz.
Malaysia recorded unprecedented cruise ship arrivals in 2023 with 1,055 cruise ships calling at the port carrying 1,520,608 passengers, representing an 84.78% increase in ship arrivals and 62.43% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2019, pre-pandemic.
Malaysia is growing as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, with two cruise lines currently based in Port Klang and plans for further expansion.
Chong noted that Malaysia’s geographical advantage in Southeast Asia and the historical importance of the Straits of Malacca as a key shipping route further increase its attractiveness as a cruise destination to access various destinations in the region.
He said it was clear that with the Government’s strong commitment to tourism, including cruise tourism, and the Minister of Transport’s recognition of the importance of the industry, favourable conditions were in place for growth.
“HTT’s reputation for providing cost-effective inbound cruises, coupled with its collaborative relationships with cruise operators and tourism authorities, further enhances Malaysia’s attractiveness as a cruise destination compared to neighbouring countries,” he added.
