BRUNEI – A leading tourism executive has called for expanded port infrastructure and more varied cruise itineraries in South East Asia.
Soo Siew Keong, director of international relations under the Singapore Tourism Board’s ‘s International Group, said SE Asia had only a small market share of the worldwide cruise industry but there was lots of potential to develop the sector.
He added, “We need to encourage the development of ports for cruises in this region. Feedback from cruise lines often says we are constantly using the same itinerary with the same ports around the area, most commonly Singapore, Langkawi and Phuket.â€
Keong said he hoped that other countries would collaborate with Singapore in helping to develop the market in South East Asia and make arrangements for passengers to explore their countries.
“We want to work with interested partners such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Indonesia to come up with new itineraries for these cruise ships.
“Once the cruise ships are here, they must have planned itineraries for the passengers.â€
