KLANG: Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Port Klang's designation as an international cruise homeport for the Costa Serena cruise ship will boost the country's tourism sector.
He said the collaborative effort between Costa Cruise Lines and Hwajing Travel and Tours could bring enduring economic benefits and lasting advantages for the country.
"With Port Klang as the new hub, it unlocks more opportunities for tourists to explore Malaysia's diverse culture, unique architecture and delicious cuisines, be it through excursions to the Royal City of Klang, the vibrant temples of Batu Caves or the street food of Kuala Lumpur."
He said Costa Cruise Lines' recognition of Malaysia as a potential market, coupled with Hwajing's expertise as a stalwart in Southeast Asian cruise tourism, underscores the common vision of the collaboration to tap into the country's halal market.
"This is to make it easier for Muslim travellers to dine in on the cruise without any worries as they will have options for halal restaurants.
"Most international cruises do not have halal restaurants, so it is difficult for them," he said.
"As the transport minister, I extend the government's unwavering support for such ventures, which perfectly aligns with our aspiration for the Madani Economy and Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
He added that the establishment of Costa Serena as Malaysia's first international cruise homeport is a game-changer, elevating Malaysia to a premier international cruise destination.
"This positions Malaysia as a regional leader in job creation within the cruise industry and is also a shot in the arm for supporting sectors such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and retail.
"Port Klang's designation as an international cruise homeport opens doors for collaborative ventures with other regional ports, laying the foundation for a network of intersecting cruise itineraries."
As such, Loke added that he will attend the World Cruise Conference in Miami, Florida, this year to attract more cruise ship companies to make Malaysia their homeport.
Loke attended the inauguration of Costa Serena's first international cruise homeport earlier. Costa Serena is a ship from the renowned European cruise brand Costa Cruises.
Also present were Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Port Klang Authority chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah, Hwajing Travel and Tours managing director Kenny Cheong, Costa Cruises director of Region and Growth Markets Francesco Raffa and the ship's captain, Giambattista Mancini.
-nst online.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.