Busan targets 1 million cruise visitors by 2030
Port authority holds talks with three major cruise groups as calls are set to increase next year.
Busan Port Authority is seeking 520 cruise ship calls and more than 1 million tourists by 2030 as it expands cooperation with global cruise companies.
The authority said it recently met in Miami with MSC Cruises’ Americas unit, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Discussions covered additional Busan calls, semi-homeport operations, two-day overnight itineraries, and improvements to terminal operations and infrastructure.
Combined calls by the three cruise groups are scheduled to rise from 87 this year to 127 next year. MSC plans to increase calls from 23 to 37 and bring its Explora Journeys luxury brand to Busan for the first time.
Royal Caribbean plans to raise its total from 54 calls to 74, including an increase in Silversea visits from 11 to 26, and add three overnight calls. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings plans to expand from 10 calls to 16.
According to the authority’s figures, cruise lines have secured Busan berths for 435 calls carrying 800,000 passengers next year. BPA also plans to expand connections for international travelers arriving at Incheon International Airport, using KTX high-speed rail or domestic flights to transfer them to Busan.