The Government will continue to engage the industry and work with neighbouring cities to enhance partnership and co-operation in the development of cruise tourism in Hong Kong, Commissioner for Tourism Au King-chi says.

Miss Au spoke following visits to Beijing and Shanghai this week. There she exchanged views with Mainland and international industry leaders and government representatives on tapping the huge opportunity created by the growing popularity of cruise tourism in Asia.

While in Beijing from October 20 to 22, Miss Au spoke at the 2008 China Cruise Industry Development Summit, an important cruise trade event on the Mainland with participation of industry and government representatives from relevant ministries and more than 10 Mainland port cities.

Miss Au elaborated on Hong Kong's developments for cruise tourism and how Hong Kong and Mainland port cities could co-operate to develop multi-destination sea-plus-land itineraries for cruise passengers.

On October 22, Miss Au updated the China National Tourism Administration, and the National Development & Reform Commission on Hong Kong's general developments on the tourism front.

Speaking at the Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention in Shanghai today, Miss Au shared with leading cruise operators Hong Kong's latest developments as a regional cruise hub.

She also outlined its plan to fund the development of a new cruise terminal and invited views from the industry on its design and future operation.

Miss Au will return to Hong Kong today.