Worldwide Cruise Terminals and Taiwan International Ports Corporation Sign Wide-Ranging Cooperation Agreement to Develop Asia Cruise Economy

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, August 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Representatives of Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WCT), which manages the new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, and of Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), which manages seven international ports in Taiwan, have today signed a letter of intent for wide-ranging cooperation to develop the cruise-related economy in East Asia.  

Major focus areas of the agreement are to encourage cruise lines to develop itineraries including Hong Kong and Taiwan, and to promote policies that give impetus to marine passenger transport. The two companies will also exchange marine transport information and techniques, undertake joint sales and promotion of the passenger transportation business, and exchange personnel and visits to share operational and management experience.

Jeff Bent, Managing Director of WCT, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work together with TIPC to jointly develop the cruise industry in our region.  Promotion of cruise destinations is a team game in which nearby ports of call must work closely together to raise service standards and jointly attract more cruise lines to visit.  We are fortunate to have found a partner in TIPC that operates an extensive range of attractive ports of call, enabling cruise lines to create a diverse selection of itineraries."

Kuo-Ming Chang, Vice President of TIPC, added: "We look forward to cooperating with WCT to jointly promote the many attractions of our respective ports, and to develop the cruise economy of East Asia. Hong Kong is both an exciting destination and a wonderful launch pad for Chinese and international visitors to visit Taiwan and ports beyond. We look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership in the years to come."

About WCT

Worldwide Cruise Terminals (Hong Kong) Limited, founded in 2012, is dedicated to the management and operation of Hong Kong's new Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the development of Hong Kong as a cruise port. Its shareholders are local and international transportation and cruise experts Worldwide Flight Services (60%), Shun Tak Holdings Limited (20%), and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (20%).

About TIPC

Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd., established in 2012, manages all ports in Taiwan. TIPC has branch ports at Kao-Hsiung, Keelung, Tai-Chung, and Hua-Lien, integrated into a Taiwan port group. TIPC aims to increase ports' efficiency, improve customer services, and enhance global competitiveness for further business development.

Contact: Jamie Roche PR, Tel: +44(0)1344631883