“Sabang is not only the westernmost point of Indonesia but also a strategic gateway for collaboration to enhance connectivity and tourism through regional cruises,” BPKS Head Iskandar Zulkarnaen stated in Banda Aceh, on Thursday.
He emphasized the importance of building strong maritime connectivity between Sabang and key ports in India as well as ASEAN countries, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India, which are geographically close to Sabang.
“We believe that a concrete partnership between India and ASEAN will open up major opportunities to develop an inclusive cruise tourism ecosystem,” Iskandar said.
Related news: Sabang targets 12 international cruise ship arrivals: BPKS
BPKS made the most of the forum to showcase Sabang’s preparedness to host cruise ships and to promote Sabang's integration into regional cruise tourism routes.
The agency is dedicated to increasing cruise visits to Sabang by opening opportunities for collaboration with cruise and tourism partners, aiming to position Sabang as a prime destination in South and Southeast Asia’s cruise routes.
The forum, held in Mahabalipuram and Chennai, India, was opened by India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
This event follows the inaugural ASEAN-India Cruise Dialogue 2024, which BPKS organized in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and took place in Sabang in 2024.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
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