Taiwan Prepares for a Breakthrough 2026: Strategies and Insights

Taiwan is poised for a significant boost in its cruise industry in 2026, with projections indicating that it will welcome over one million passengers for the first time since 2019. The Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) reports a total of 304 cruise calls recorded this year, comprising 167 turnaround calls and 137 transit visits, leading to an anticipated 1,119,800 guests.

The primary hub for these cruise activities is Keelung, forecasted to host approximately 925,000 passengers from 225 cruise calls, while Kaohsiung is expected to see 54 calls. Keelung serves as a gateway for journeys to Japan and South Korea, whereas Kaohsiung is positioned for itineraries to Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Taiwan’s strategy focuses on developing a multi-port deployment system, with additional ports such as Hualien, Suao, Taichung, Anping, and Penghu contributing to this initiative. Suao, in particular, boasts a new cruise terminal catering to luxury liners, while Penghu has recently completed pier upgrades.

Despite the increased number of transit calls, there is a noticeable shift away from homeporting, indicating a more considerable influx of international guests, particularly from the United States and Germany. To establish Kaohsiung as a key southern homeport, the MSC Bellissima is already scheduled to depart from there in 2026, heading to Okinawa and Ishigaki.

Innovations for the upcoming year include the implementation of facial recognition and biometric clearance systems at both Keelung and Kaohsiung, enhancing the efficiency of passenger processing. Additionally, these ports are expected to introduce shore power systems.

To stimulate growth, TIPC has rolled out a tiered discount program based on various factors such as call frequency, maiden arrivals, the percentage of international passengers, and overall volume. Furthermore, cruise operators can benefit from incentives related to the length of their stay and multi-port itineraries, as well as programs designed to promote fly-cruise options from Taiwan.

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