Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Commission, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Philippine Department of Tourism, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, and Xiamen Municipal Tourism Development Commission held a ceremony in Busan, Korea, on Saturday, to welcome the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea as a new member of the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC).

Korea is the sixth member of the ACC (and the first in Northeast Asia), which was launched by Hong Kong and Taiwan in 2014 to bring major Asian cruise destinations together in a common effort to expand the regional cruise market. The entry of Korea will expand the continued development of the Asian cruise market, and it means that more ports belonging to ACC members will be available to provide stronger support for international cruise companies operating in Asia. The entry of Korea is an important step for the ACC, and it marks an important milestone for Korea’s cooperation in the Asian cruise market.

Mrs. Luo Yan, director of Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Commission, said, “Korea, joins ACC as a developed country, which will enhance the influence of ACC greatly, also can reduce the cost in promotion, and enhance the international competitiveness of ACC members. That’s conducive to further promoting the rapid development of cruise industry in Hainan.”

“I am delighted to welcome Korea as the sixth member of the ACC,” said Mr Anthony Lau, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). “Our partnership now spans tens of thousands of square kilometres of Asia and the inclusion of Korea gives us an important new strategic dimension. This powerful alliance gives us more opportunities to promote Hong Kong’s appeal as a cruise destination, and the HKTB will continue to reach out energetically to key source markets to attract more cruise visitors to Hong Kong. Together, we have the opportunity to explore exciting new horizons in travel and tap the vast potential of Asia’s fast-growing cruise market.”

Mr. Yoon Hyun-soo, director of the Shipping Policy Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), said, “In Korea, the cruise industry has set sail in a full swing as the “Cruise Industry Development and Support Act” was enacted in February, 2015. And, last year, the government launched a cruise promotion event for the public to experience cruise tour and pushed ahead with broadcasting promotion activities in order to increase outbound passengers to over 200,000.

And, it speeds up to reinforce infrastructures so that more ports in Korea are welcomed as a homeport of cruise ships. By joining the ACC, the MOF of Korea will double its efforts to bring the Asian cruise industry up to the next level, not to mention the  cruise industry in Korea. Port-of-calls in Korea are looking forward to seeing more cruise routes and ships come from the member states in a near future. I would like to ask for your continued support and cooperation.”