GROWING DEMAND FOR CRUISE TOURISM FAVORS “ONE MICRONESIA”

A recurring agenda at PATA Micronesia Chapter meetings in 2025 (Chuuk, Yap, and Guam) centers on how to evolve a sustainable Micronesia cruise line industry that is environmentally sensitive while creating opportunities for our island economies.
Cruise ships come and go based on tour agenda and programs envisioned and designed almost entirely by foreign agents and industry players at global centers with little knowledge of how much Micronesia as a whole can offer.
The interest to grow and benefit from cruise line industry is not a new question. Micronesia industry and political leaders have grappled with this for years. Yet, we have been largely unable to fully commit to all that have to be in place, including port services, clear understanding on tour offers, and a long term vision for sustainability for maritime tourism to flourish.
At the recent PATA Micronesia meeting in Guam, Mr. Hugh Caville, director of Government Affairs at the International Cruise Line Association (ICLA) based in Australia spoke of “growing demand” that can benefit Micronesia. “What was asked of us is, would cruise lines be interested in working in your region? And the answer is, of course, definitely, yes. There’s so much to offer. And the way that tourism with your particular region, the Pacific more broadly, is set up, is perfect for what crews can offer, which is a growing market, but more importantly, it’s a predictable market.” Mr. Caville has invited PATA Micronesia members to continue engaging with ICLA on learning related concerns that must go into growing cruise experience from port infrastructure, maritime development policies, community response, immersive learning and engagement, etc.
CVB would like to keep cruise line agenda as a forefront concern for the incoming year of PATA Micronesia—led discussions with business partners, technical experts, as well as the Micronesia Island Forum.

The Coral Expedition from the Australia’s Pioneer Cruise Line was one of six cruise ships that visited Chuuk in 2024. It moored off the southern coast of Tonoas Island for about 24 hours.