Malaysia is
aiming to capitalize on the cruise tourism sector as part of its strategy for
Visit Malaysia 2026. In 2023, the country experienced a remarkable surge in
cruise arrivals, with ports welcoming 1,055 ships carrying 1,520,608
passengers—an 84.78% increase in ship arrivals and a 62.43% rise in passengers
compared to pre-pandemic rates in 2019.
As a burgeoning tourism hotspot in
Southeast Asia, Malaysia currently serves as the homeport for two cruise lines
operating from Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur, with plans for further expansion in
the pipeline. The departure of the Costa Serena from Port Klang in January 2024
marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s ambition to become a premier
homeporting destination. Costa Serena joins the ranks of cruise partners
choosing Kuala Lumpur as their homeport. This development positions cruise
tourism as a pivotal sector in enhancing Malaysia’s global allure, aligning
with the objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million
foreign tourists in 2026.
To support these objectives and in accordance with the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2019-2030, a Malaysian delegation led by The Honorable Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, is participating in Seatrade Cruise Global 2024, taking place from April 8 to 11, 2024, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida, USA.
Attendees are encouraged to visit booth #311 to engage with the Ministry of
Transport Malaysia and its port authorities to learn more about Malaysia’s
strategic location, top-notch infrastructure, and abundant natural and cultural
attractions.
As part of the promotional efforts
to position Malaysia as a premier homeporting destination, The Honorable
Minister of Transport will deliver a keynote address titled “Malaysia Truly
Asia: Malaysia Cruise Tourism” at the event. This platform will be utilized to
showcase the advantages and potential of Malaysia as an appealing cruise
destination. Malaysia’s emergence as a homeporting hub is expected to not only
bolster the country’s tourism sector but also provide a significant boost to
the local economy, benefiting various tourism-related industries such as
hospitality, tourism services, food and beverage businesses, among others.
“We are again thrilled to be part
of Seatrade Cruise Global. This event provides an excellent platform to
highlight Malaysia’s potential as a homeport and to forge valuable
connections with industry leaders. We look forward to engaging with the global
cruise community and inviting them to experience the wonders of Malaysia,
especially in developing suitable cruise tourism trips and packages
into Malaysia”, said Mr. Akbal Setia, the
Vice President of Tourism Malaysia – Americas.
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