Latest news with #cruiseTourism
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Unlocking the future of African tourism: Harnessing coastal potential for inclusive growth
Africa is on the cusp of a tourism renaissance. With its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity, and expansive coastline, the continent is well poised to become one of the world's most exciting cruise destinations. Now is the time to transform long-recognised potential into lasting progress — and cruise tourism is one of the avenues to help achieve this. As managing director of MSC Cruises South Africa, I've seen how cruising offers valuable travel experiences and acts as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and regional development. Through collaboration and investment, the full value of cruise tourism across Africa can be unlocked. A coastline of opportunity Africa's more than 30,000 kilometres of coastline span vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems, from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic. Ports like Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Richards Bay, Maputo and Walvis Bay already welcome cruise ships, with some offering facilities to service vessels. These destinations demonstrate the potential that exists and lay a foundation for future growth. We're looking ahead to the upcoming 2025/26 season, with MSC Opera returning to South African waters and extending to destinations such as Port Louis and, for the first time, Mamoudzou in the Comorian Archipelago. These itineraries reflect the growing appeal of African coastal cruising and what's possible when a shared vision for tourism development is embraced. Laying the groundwork for growth For this industry to flourish, there's growing recognition of the importance of holistic infrastructure development. Modern ships can carry up to 10,000 people (passengers and crew), representing a larger economic opportunity, but many African cities will need to strengthen their capacity to handle this scale of tourism. While well-equipped ports are essential, a quality cruise experience also depends on seamless airport connections, modern roadways, efficient services, and memorable inland excursions. In Durban, for example, easy access to highlights like Hluhluwe or the Drakensberg would enhance visitor experiences. Equally important are leisure activities that make destinations memorable. From snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and exploring World Heritage sites to enjoying local cuisine, music and cultural experiences, these opportunities create lasting memories for visitors while supporting local businesses. Whether it's a township tour in Gqeberha, a spice market visit in Port Louis, or a sunset dhow cruise in Maputo, excursions help connect travellers with the heart of each destination. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to realising cruise tourism's potential. Partnerships between port authorities, tourism boards, local governments, hotels, transport operators and activity providers help align efforts with broader development goals. By creating cruise-ready cities that act as gateways to inland adventures and cultural experiences, lasting value can be generated for local communities and visitors alike. Tourism that enriches and empowers Sustainable growth is a vital focus. From adopting cleaner fuel technologies and advanced waste management systems to efficient itineraries, environmental responsibility is increasingly embedded in cruise operations. Equally important is the potential for cruise tourism to uplift communities. Prioritising partnerships with local guides, artisans and entrepreneurs ensures that each stop on a cruise route contributes to job creation, cultural exchange, and small business growth. With training and enterprise support, local communities can become active participants in the tourism economy, creating authentic, meaningful experiences for visitors while expanding opportunity at home. Working together for shared success A notable aspect of Africa's cruise tourism journey is the growing spirit of collaboration. Globally, successful cruise destinations have been built on coordinated strategies between public and private stakeholders. Africa is no exception. From joint marketing to infrastructure development, there's a unique opportunity to harness the power of partnership. Regional cooperation can take this further. Multi-country cruise itineraries offer unmatched variety, and by working together to streamline visa processes, harmonise standards, and co-promote cruise corridors, African nations can create an interconnected cruise experience that benefits all. A bright future in sight The global cruise industry has already shown its transformative potential. For example, Florida's cruise sector contributes over $168 billion to its economy. While every region is unique, Africa, too, can chart its own course. Already, tourism contributes 8.8% to South Africa's GDP, with room for growth. Looking at the achievements of peers like Morocco and Greece reveals the potential. In Morocco and Greece, strategic investment, coordinated marketing, and public-private partnerships have revitalised coastal towns into vibrant cruise destinations. Casablanca and Tangier have become gateways to cultural experiences, while Greece's islands offer itineraries filled with history, cuisine and natural beauty. These examples illustrate how infrastructure and partnerships can position cruise tourism as a driver for inclusive growth, job creation and international visibility — a model for South Africa and the continent. This is a moment of opportunity. With aligned policies, investment and a shared commitment to inclusive development, Africa can position itself as a leading cruise destination, combining innovation, sustainability and cultural connection. This transformation is not only possible, but already underway. Through collective effort, African tourism's future can be unlocked and shaped for generations to come.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman likely to award Port Sultan Qaboos upgade consultancy in Q4 2025
Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is expected to award the consultancy tender for the upgrade of Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat in the fourth quarter of 2025, a source aware of the details said. The tender, released on 12 June 2025, calls for technical bids by 24 July and commercial bids by 10 August. 'The consultancy services contract for the construction of a breakwater, a fixed quay, and reclamation works at the Port is expected to be awarded in October 2025,' the source said, adding that completion timeline is the first quarter of 2027. As of 23 June 2025, a total of 14 local and international firms had purchased the tender documents. The contract scope includes: Project and contract management services Site assessments covering access, utilities, and environmental and social impact Concept master planning Preparation of EPC tender documents for construction Optional services include managing investment opportunity bids, bid evaluations, design review, and construction supervision. The upgrade project aims to transform Port Sultan Qaboos into a national hub for cruise tourism. (Reporting by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tender for upgrade of Port Sultan Qaboos
Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has kick-started the process of upgrading Port Sultan Qaboos to support its transformation into a national hub for cruise tourism. Under a tender floated recently by the ministry, consultancy firms with expertise in port and maritime engineering have been invited to bid for a contract to provide advisory services on the construction of a new breakwater and additional berth, as well as to oversee significant reclamation works at Muscat's roughly 50-year-old maritime hub. In addition to developing a concept master plan encompassing all aspects of the port's proposed upgrade, the selected consultant will also be invited to identify, as an option, investment opportunities arising from this expansion. Given the cruise tourism-centred focus of the upgrade, these opportunities are expected to be linked to food and beverage outlets, hospitality, high-end retail, arts and crafts, and related sectors, say experts. Last October, the ministry tasked Asyad Ports — a subsidiary of Asyad Group — with undertaking a feasibility study into the upgrade of Port Sultan Qaboos. The study also covers the operational and commercial aspects of the project, aimed at supporting its development into a major cruise tourism hub. Opportunities for strategic partnerships with investors to help deliver this vision were to be fully explored as well. Officials announced at the time that the modernisation plan would be implemented in three phases. The initial phase will focus on rehabilitating the port's existing infrastructure. The second phase will involve upgrading equipment and operational systems. In the final phase, a new berth will be constructed to accommodate larger cruise vessels, enhancing the port's capacity to meet rising tourism demand. According to cruise shipping experts, a berth length of at least 370 metres will be required to handle some of the largest cruise ships in operation today. Icon of the Seas, currently the largest cruise ship by gross tonnage and passenger capacity, measures 365 metres in length. Other mega cruise ships in its class include the Wonder of the Seas (362 metres), Symphony of the Seas (361 metres), and Harmony of the Seas (362 metres). By comparison, the largest cruise ship to have visited Muscat to date is the AIDAcosma (337 metres), which made its maiden call in November 2022. In line with Muscat's positioning as a cruise tourism hub, the modernisation will also aim to attract leisure and recreational vessels, including superyachts, catamarans and sailships, to Oman. Investment opportunities related to this segment of the maritime tourism sector will be explored as well. Port Sultan Qaboos, which has undergone multiple upgrades over its 50-year history, currently features nine berths with a combined length of 1,750 metres. A passenger terminal is presently being modernised to align with the goals of the port's broader expansion. In 2024, Port Sultan Qaboos welcomed a record 190 cruise ship calls, surpassing its target of 134 vessels for the year. The deadline for submission of offers for the consultancy services contract is July 24, 2025. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
10-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Loke: Cruise tourism to fuel Malaysia's economy, with Penang primed as regional home port
GEORGE TOWN, June 10 — Malaysia can become a premier cruise tourism destination in South-east Asia as the country looks into transforming the sector into a key driver of national economic growth and local community development. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the cruise industry has the potential to do more than just bring in foreign visitors. It can create thousands of jobs, elevate local heritage and culture, and promote Malaysia to the world. 'We want cruise tourism to directly benefit local communities, whether through cultural tours, port services, local food, handicrafts, or heritage experiences,' he said after officiating CruiseWorld Malaysia 2025 here today. He stated that it is not only about attracting tourists to the country but also giving visitors a chance to experience Malaysia. Loke said every cruise ship that docks in Malaysia generates significant economic activities, not only for the tourism escorts, but also for surrounding communities and small businesses. 'Each cruise ship arrival contributes to tourism revenue and also provides opportunities for cultural exchange and economic activities on the ground,' he said. He called on cruise operators and industry players to view Malaysia as a strategic home port for long-term operations instead of viewing it as a transit destination. 'Malaysia should be seen as a place to begin and end voyages, provide logistical support, and foster long-term cooperation,' he said. He also noted that making Malaysia as the home port will bring in benefits such as tourist arrivals, higher tourism revenue and stronger contribution to the Gross Domestic Product and growth in local economies. 'Penang can play a role in becoming a home port too,' he said, adding that the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal currently accommodates up to two large ships at once and plans are underway to expand it and position it as a regional cruise hub. 'Penang receives between 100 and 200 cruise ships annually, sometimes two or three in a single day. 'We want Penang Port to enhance its terminal capacity and become a key home port in the region,' he added. He noted that there needs to be close collaboration with airlines if Penang is to become a home port, as connectivity for international tourists is essential. 'Strategic collaboration between airports and ports is crucial so tourists can fly straight to Penang, embark on a cruise, and make Malaysia their destination of choice,' he said. Loke also emphasised the importance of continuing to upgrade existing port infrastructure in order to remain competitive in the region and attract high-quality foreign investment. He pointed out that next year is Visit Malaysia Year, presenting an opportunity to boost cruise tourism as a crucial component of Malaysia's transportation, tourism, and trade strategies. 'Malaysia has long been an attractive destination, but we don't just want to be a good destination, we want to become a world-class one,' he said. He said stakeholders will need to work together to ensure the success of Visit Malaysia 2026 while positioning the country as a leading cruise tourism destination in the region. When asked about regional collaboration, Loke also expressed support for Thailand's proposal to develop Asean as a single tourism market, including the introduction of a common visa that would allow seamless travel across member countries. 'We shouldn't compete against each other within Asean. Instead, we should collaborate to promote the region as one of the world's top tourism destinations,' he said.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong seeking proposals to revamp Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Hong Kong authorities are inviting proposals for better utilisation of space at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Advertisement The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau announced on Wednesday it was 'inviting the market to submit expressions of interest' to enhance the use of the terminal. A spokesman added that this initiative is part of an action plan aimed at developing cruise tourism and 'to elevate the function of the KTCT as a cruise terminal for all.' He noted that in addition to cruise operation facilities, the terminal features an ancillary commercial area of around 5,600 square metres (60,277 sq ft) and public space on the rooftop and second floor. The bureau was seeking proposals for 'conventional retail or other purposes', he added. Authorities emphasised their commitment to promoting the terminal for hosting more non-cruise and commercial events during off-peak seasons and on days with fewer cruises. Advertisement It also noted the recent opening of Kai Tak Sports Park within the district, serving as a hub for major sports and entertainment events, and a new pedestrian walkway connecting it with the terminal.
