As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have been affected, and the tourism sector is no exception. The cruise industry, in particular, has been hit hard due to its close quarters nature and the ease with which viruses can spread.
State of the Cruise Industry in Asia
In Asia, where cruise tourism has seen a significant boom in recent years, the industry has taken a severe hit. Many countries have imposed travel restrictions and closed their ports to cruise ships. Popular destinations such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have suspended operations for an extended period.
The Chinese market is one of the largest in the world when it comes to cruising. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak that originated from China’s Wuhan province in late 2019, many cruise companies halted their operations. The Diamond Princess incident off Japan’s coast further worsened matters for cruise companies operating in Asia.
What Are Cruise Companies Doing
Cruise companies are taking steps to ensure they are prepared for when travel restrictions are lifted. Enhanced health protocols are being put in place to help prevent outbreaks on board. Stringent cleaning procedures and mandatory mask-wearing are some of these measures being implemented.
Additionally, several companies are also offering flexible booking options that allow passengers to reschedule or cancel their trips without penalty if necessary.
What Does the Future Hold
The future of cruising in Asia remains uncertain at this point due to the pandemic’s unpredictability. However, governments and companies alike are working towards finding solutions that will enable cruising operations to resume safely.
- Some countries such as Taiwan have already eased restrictions on domestic cruises
- The Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a scheme to revive its cruise industry by offering subsidies to cruise companies
- Cruise companies such as Dream Cruises have started operating “cruises to nowhere,” which allow passengers to enjoy the onboard experience without making any port calls.
It remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be in reviving the cruise industry in Asia. However, with increased safety measures and innovative ideas being put in place, it is hopeful that cruising in Asia will soon bounce back.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a significant blow to the cruise industry worldwide, including Asia. While it remains uncertain when operations will resume fully, cruise companies are taking steps to ensure they are prepared for when travel restrictions are lifted. With enhanced safety protocols and innovative ideas being put in place, there is hope that cruising in Asia will soon bounce back.