KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should negotiate with Disney Cruise Line to make Langkawi or Penang a departure and arrival hub for its Disney Adventure cruise ship, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong) said Malaysia should aim to become more than just a port of call by allowing international tourists to begin or end their cruises at either destination.
"I don't think we should be content with merely being a port of call.
"I propose that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry begin strategic negotiations with Disney Cruise Line to explore the possibility of making Langkawi or Penang an official embarkation and disembarkation port," she said when debating the 2027 Budget.
Yeo said the arrangement could encourage tourists to spend several days in Malaysia before or after their cruise, benefiting the local tourism industry.
"Imagine the economic spillover. Tourists who begin or end their cruises in Langkawi could spend several days there before or after their voyage," she said.
She said Disney Adventure, which operates out of Singapore, was scheduled to make its first stop in Langkawi during a four-night cruise departing Singapore on Dec 31.
Yeo estimated that the ship, which can accommodate between 6,000 and 6,700 passengers, could make 25 to 30 visits a year, potentially bringing 150,000 to 200,000 passenger movements to Langkawi.
She said spending of between RM250 and RM400 per passenger could generate an estimated RM35 million to RM80 million in direct annual spending on the island, benefiting local businesses.
"However, the main question is whether these tourists will come ashore and spend money, or simply remain on board," she said.
Yeo said lengthy immigration queues and severe traffic congestion could discourage cruise passengers from disembarking, adding that immigration authorities had a crucial role in ensuring smooth arrivals.
She also called for upgrades to international airports to accommodate growing tourist demand and urged the ministry to pursue the proposed arrangement with Disney Cruise Line.
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