The world’s largest cruise event, the Seatrade Cruise Global was held from Monday (April 8) to Tuesday (April 11) at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Representatives from Taiwan’s Tourism Administration, Taiwan International Ports Corporation, and Maritime Port Bureau jointly organized a Taiwan pavilion at the event, per CNA.

The Taiwan pavilion drew inspiration from sky lanterns, integrating tradition with Taiwan's aspirations to promote the cruise industry, reported CNA. It showcased Taiwan’s culture, landscapes, and strategic port locations, hoping to attract industry leaders to include Taiwan as one of their cruise destinations.

Tourism Administration Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-jen (林信任) said that before COVID-19, Taiwan was the second-largest cruise passenger market in Asia. 

“In 2019, the number of passengers taking cruises in Taiwan exceeded 1 million, with over 600 cruise calls made to Taiwan or using Taiwan as a homeport, generating an economic value of approximately US$1 billion (NT$32.2 billion),” the official said. A homeport is one where a ship is based.

“Taiwan was committed to promoting various ports at the exhibition and promoting island-hopping tours to destinations like Taichung, Hualien, and Penghu, solidifying its position as the second-largest cruise market in Asia,” Lin added.

Lin said, in 2024, the industry has recovered to about 70%, welcoming more cruise ships to take advantage of incentive measures to call at Taiwan or use Taiwan as a homeport.

The Tourism Administration stressed that Taiwan, with its mountains and seas, boasts abundant natural In ecology and diverse cultures. From night market snacks to Michelin-recommended restaurants, Taiwan’s unique cuisine is spread across the island, making it ideal for cruise passengers to experience, the agency said.

According to statistics from AmCham, China was the top market for cruises at 55.8% in 2019, with Taiwan second at 9.3%. 2023 saw 327 cruises coming from Taiwan, a sign of recovery after the pandemic, RTI reported.