The Transportation Ministry’s Maritime and Port Bureau held the Asian Archipelago Cruise Alliance (AACA) launch ceremony on Monday morning. Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan jointly marketed Asian island tourism to seven internationally renowned cruise operators, including possible features, highlights, and itineraries.
The AACA was organized last year, with a letter of intent signed by the Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau, the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority, and the Korea International Cruise Institute in the hope of attracting international cruise ships to use Asian islands as berthing destinations. Although Japan has not signed the letter of intent, it has stated its willingness to promote together with the other agencies.
Transportation Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-hsien (林國顯) pointed out at the event that the recovery of the global cruise market is accelerating, with the number of global passengers possibly reaching 35.7 million in 2024, an increase of 13.3% from 2023. He says that there will also be more exploratory small and medium-sized cruise ships and that Asia is rich in island tourism resources. Lin adds that Taiwan is located in the center of the island chains in Asia and can connect international island-hopping cruises running from the northeast to the southeast. He says that if tourists can stay in Taiwan for some time, they can gain an in-depth understanding of the unique country.