The Port of Kochi City has become a popular stop for cruise ships after the construction of a new port. However, many local businesses have not been able to capitalize on the thousands of foreign visitors.
In order to improve the situation, the prefectural and city governments are surveying tourists to learn about their needs while promoting cruise ship calls.
The cruise port became able to host 160,000 ton-class ships after in 2014 its construction was partially completed.
The number of cruise liners stopping at the port rose to 30 in fiscal 2016, which ended in March, from 8 a year ago. At least 32 cruise ships are expected to visit for the current fiscal year.
To further increase the calls, the prefectural government began inviting foreign cruise operators to join monitor tours. Government officials attended a trade show in the U.S. to promote Port Kochi.
The central government also promotes cruise ship calls to the nation’s ports as part of the policy to promote tourism under the growth strategy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The government aims to increase the number of foreign cruise visitors to 5 million in 2020, up from 1.99 million last year.