Looking to capitalize on the fast-paced growth and expansion of the global cruise industry, Port of Keelung, a subsidiary of the Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), has been strategically developing and promoting its branch port of Suao as an enticing new destination for cruise travel. Suao Port has received a significant rise in interest from international cruise operators since the completion of the new Suao Port Passenger Terminal in June of last year (2024), and the many cruise ship and travel agency teams sent to investigate the touristic landscape of Yilan County and Suao Port’s facilities and nearby attractions in this past year underscore the area’s strong cruise tourism growth potential.

In terms of numbers, Suao Port’s newly opened passenger terminal handled 1,238 international and 7,589 domestic (mostly Suao-Hualien ferry) passengers in 2024. Notably, the five international cruise ships carrying over 3,200 passengers anticipated this year (2025) will significantly more than double Suao Port’s international arrivals.

To enhance port passenger services and improve visitor access to area tourism resources, Port of Keelung joined the Yilan County Government in organizing the 2025 “Get to Know Yilan” event in March, which was well attended by local tour operators and cruise ship agents. The event introduced attendees to Yilan County’s diverse tapestry of tourism offerings and opportunities, provided an in-depth introduction to Suao Port’s passenger terminal and amenities, oriented them to main transportation and tourism routes across the region, and discussed potential avenues for future cooperation.

Port of Keelung officials are committed to exploring and expanding opportunities for cooperation with international cruise operators; planning and implementing in cooperation with local government authorities comprehensive tourist shuttle and information services for visiting cruise passengers; and building Yilan into an exciting new cruise vacation destination. The port encourages more visits from cruise operators and agents to discuss and realize together Suao’s true potential as a rising new cruise port-of-call destination.

Looking to the future, TIPC hopes to entice a growing number of cruise line brands to integrate Suao into their voyage itineraries as a port-of-call. Expanding cruise-tourism opportunities will help further upgrade Yilan County’s tourism sector, plug Yilan into international tourism trends and flows, and economically benefit both the port and its surrounding communities.