The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that they will hold a meeting on 'boosting cruise tourism in 2025' on the 26th at the Incheon Win-Win Platform with local governments from seven major cruise ports. The two ministries plan to improve infrastructure at cruise ports and expand tourism content, aiming for 900,000 cruise visitors this year.
First, the two ministries will inspect and improve the readiness of each cruise port, developing tourism products that enhance the regional characteristics of each port. Based on theme brands for each of the seven ports, including Airport-linked Fly & Cruise (Incheon) and the Mega Festival City (Busan), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will support the entire process from content discovery to product commercialization and consolidation with business operators.
From this year, to increase the stay duration of visitors at cruise ports, the ministries will collaborate with the Ministry of Justice to extend terminal operating hours and support expenses for onboard inspections, thus improving convenience for tourists.
Additionally, meeting participants will inspect the customs, immigration control, and quarantine (CIQ) at Incheon International Passenger Terminal and discuss improvements to terminal operations. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to continuously consult with relevant agencies on ways to improve terminal facilities and optimize terminal operations through flexible staffing arrangements.
Minister Yoo In-chon noted that 'cruise tourism is one of the very important means to revitalize regional tourism by attracting large-scale visitors' and added, 'We will continue to work hard to ensure that cruise visitors perceive cruise ports not merely as a stopping point but as new tourist destinations and actively visit the ports and surrounding areas in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and local governments.'