Silver Spirit returns to HK to drive revival of cruise tourism

International cruise line Silversea's Silver Spirit has returned to Hong Kong for the first time since the government relaxed the inbound control measures, in an effort to drive revival of cruise tourism in the city. 

Fostered by the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Silver Spirit marks a new start for Hong Kong’s cruise tourism, as the HKTB has lined up at least 82 ship calls from at least 16 cruise lines in 2023. Pang Yiu Kai, HKTB chairman, has described the return of international cruises to Hong Kong as “a milestone in Hong Kong’s tourism revival”.

“I’m excited to welcome the Silver Spirit and its passengers to Hong Kong, as it not only marks the resumption of Hong Kong’s cruise tourism development and its return to the international cruise tourism market, but also enables the industry to develop a wide range of tourism products to enrich the visitor experience, further stimulating them to visit Hong Kong,” said Pang.

Welcoming Silver Spirit, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Tourism Commission and HKTB handed out souvenir goodie bags to arriving passengers at a welcoming ceremony held at Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui. Kevin Yeung, secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “Hong Kong is a unique and not-to-be missed destination of cruise itineraries in Asia. As normal travel resumes, our new and upgraded tourism offerings of diverse nature are ready to give new excitements and fond memories to our friends from around the world.”

During the pandemic, the Tourism Commission and the HKTB have discussed with various cruise companies to ensure operators are kept abreast of Hong Kong’s latest situation to foster resumption of cruise itineraries to Hong Kong as soon as possible. The HKTB has secured cruise calls from at least 16 cruise lines for 2023, including world-famous cruise brands such as Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, HapagLloyd Cruises and Windstar Cruises, with a total of at least 82 ship calls. Among the cruise calls, luxury cruise liner Mein Schiff 5, of German operator TUI Cruises, will visit Hong Kong four times and will berth at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in early March, making it the first ship call at the Terminal in 2023. Mein Schiff 5 will bring more than 5,000 travellers to Hong Kong in total.

To further drive the revival of cruise tourism in Hong Kong, HKTB will roll out five strategic initiatives, including providing greater support and incentives to cruise companies and allocating resources to launch various promotions to attract more customers for cruise tours; maintaining close liaison with cruise lines and actively approach different cruise lines to encourage them to choose Hong Kong as a homeport or port of call; capitalising on Hong Kong’s inherent geographical advantage and its diverse travel experiences to promote the city as the regional gateway for cruise tourism; promoting the Hong Kong cruise experience to visitors from the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA); participating in major international cruise shows around the world to further strengthen Hong Kong’s position and influence in the international cruise market.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to the HKTB for further information.

Furthermore, Harbour City has offered mall coupons and gifts to each passenger of Silver Spirit to drive footfall in the mall. It has also invited the passengers to enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour at Ocean Terminal marine deck. Moreover, it has launched tourist-exclusive promotion in December 2022 and prepared free welcome gifts for them.

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