Feb 20, 2012

Brunei - More cruise vessels expected



THE Ports Department, Ministry of Communications are experiencing a good start to the year with higher occurences of vessels docking, including the largest Japanese cruise vessel, MS ASUKA II, which docked at the Port yesterday.

"We are expecting quite a lot of cruise vessels arriving this year. A ship from Southampton docked at the port last week, and another one (will be) docking at the port here tomorrow," said Acting Director of Ports Department Helmi Hj Talib, who welcomed the passengers and crew members of MS Asuka II yesterday.

"We are looking at about 24 to 25 vessels docking annually at Muara Port. As for tourists, 2,000 tourists per annum on average have been recorded, and we hope to receive more cruise vessels during this time of the year," he added.

Also present yesterday were senior officers from Ports Department, and the Brunei Tourism Board.

The welcoming ceremony ended with an exchange of souvenirs between the Acting Director of Ports Department and the Captain of MS ASUKA II Captain Hisahi Asai.

From 2006 to 2010, Muara Port has recorded a steady increase of cruise vessels entering the country.

The year 2010 recorded the highest number of cruise ships entering Brunei, with 34 vessel calls entering the country, carrying 33,860 passengers and 14,310 passengers.

In 2011, the total number of crew passengers docking in Muara Port decreased 38 percent compared to 2010, with only 21 cruise ships docking, carrying a total of 19,151 passengers and 7,789 crews.

From January until February 15, the Ports Department has received 5 cruise vessels docking at the Muara Port.

The department cited the influx of more cruise ships entering will help boost the tourism industry in Brunei.

The Ports Department stated it plans to continue working closely with the Brunei Tourism Board to conduct joint-marketing and promotion to attract more foreigners to visit Brunei.

It also expressed its wish to continue negotiation deals with cruise owners and shipping agents internationally, in order to attract more cruise vessels making frequent calls at Muara Port.

The MS Asuka II cruise liner, which arrived Brunei from Singapore yesterday morning, left Brunei at 5 pm the same day, with Manila being the next port of destination.

The Brunei Times



Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.

No comments:

Post a Comment