Exclusive | Hong Kong tourism blueprint to revamp Kai Tak’s role, improve cruise terminal, minister says

In an exclusive interview with the Post, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, revealed a blueprint for the city's tourism landscape. This blueprint includes a recalibration of Kai Tak's role and an exploration of ways to improve the cruise terminal. He also mentioned that the management rights of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal might be put up for tender once the existing contract expires in 2028. He emphasized the need to assess the operator's overall performance and public satisfaction before making any decisions.

The port's operator, Worldwide Cruise Terminals, and city authorities faced criticism over chaotic transport arrangements when Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas returned to Hong Kong after more than a year, carrying about 4,000 passengers. The long waits for taxis and public transport led to authorities temporarily increasing bus services and offering incentives for taxi drivers to accommodate the waiting tourists. This incident prompted a closer scrutiny of the terminal's management and its underused facilities, as well as planning in the wider Kai Tak area.

Last year, the Worldwide Cruise Terminals Consortium, a partnership between Worldwide Flight Services Holding, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Shun Tak Holdings, was granted a five-year extension to its lease on the port. Commissioner for Tourism Vivian Sum Fong-kwang stated that despite the consortium's performance, the management rights of the terminal might be put up for tender again in 2028, as required by government regulations. She also mentioned that the terminal would need to be started up immediately once the pandemic eases.