Analyze the potential of developing port of Colombo as a cruise hub in South East Asia

Abstract

This research paper describes a comprehensive study done to identify the cruise port infrastructures and port side supply for improved cruise operation in the port of Colombo, in order to capture the future potential to develop as a cruise hub in south-east Asia. Similarly, it assesses the current situation of the port of Colombo and identifies the global best practices and strategies to identify what are the cruise market demand factors and supply-side capabilities. Based on the objectives of the study, 47 required cruise port evaluation criteria and global strategies were identified by observing previous studies and literature reviews. Under the evaluation of opinions of industry experts, Factor rating was used as primary data analysis tools, to filter out the most significant factors. Main factors, which contributed to cruise port development are port infrastructure, cruise shipping policies, services for cruise passengers and political and regulatory framework.