KLANG – Designating Port Klang as the home port for international cruise ships, including the Halal-certified Costa Serena, will generate substantial positive effects on Malaysia’s tourism appeal and overall economy, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke emphasised that positioning Port Klang as a home for cruises holds significant advantages, as it will attract foreign tourists who contribute to the local hospitality sector.
“When tourists fly in, they are likely to extend their stay a few days before and after the cruise period,” he remarked during the inauguration of the ship’s first cruise at Port Klang Cruise Terminal today.
“This presents an opportunity for them to explore other destinations in the country and increase spending on hotels, restaurants, and retail.”
Costa Serena, which is an Italy-based Concordia-class ship under the Costa Crociere cruise line, has recently been added to a small fleet of cruise ships to offer halal-certified restaurants, enabling more opportunities for Muslim customers.
To sustain this momentum, Loke announced plans for his ministry to collaborate with the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry to actively promote Malaysia as a premier home port destination.
To aid in reaching this objective, he is scheduled to attend the World Cruise Conference in Miami, US this April.
However, Loke acknowledged that challenges, particularly air connectivity issues linking Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the cruise terminal, need to be addressed.
“This is an aspect we are actively working on, requiring collaboration among various agencies,” he said.
Discussing the feasibility of connecting the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) for travellers to Klang, Loke mentioned exploring the potential for passenger transport, in addition to its primary role in cargo transportation from the East Coast to Port Klang.
He noted that while some passengers on cruises engage in excursion tours with tour buses, air connectivity remains a focal point for enhancing the overall experience.
Addressing the halal aspect of Costa Serena, Loke highlighted the importance of offering Muslim-friendly options to tourists.
He explained that certifying several restaurants on the cruise ship as halal ensures that Muslim travellers have a variety of dining choices.
“When Muslim tourists travel on this cruise, they now have the option to dine in halal-certified restaurants,” he said.
“While many international cruises may lack such options, the Costa Serena addresses this concern by obtaining halal certifications for its restaurants.” – January 19, 2024