Selecting a cruise port of call location using the fuzzy-AHP method: A case study in East Asia

• This study identifies why cruise lines select specific ports for their itineraries.
• Key determinants are the tourist attractions located near a port.
• Secondary determinants include access and responsiveness to cruise tourists wants.
• Singapore and Hong Kong are attractive Asian locations for cruise lines.

Increasing income levels and greater leisure time give people the opportunity to pursue new types of tourism ventures. As one of the fastest growing areas in the leisure travel industry, the cruise industry is increasing rapidly. Due to the benefits that cruise tourism brings to each port of call and the hinterland, it is necessary to be able to analyze the factors that affect cruise lines' port selections. The main objective of this paper is to identify the main factors motivating cruise lines to select specific ports of call and to provide information to port operators that will enable them both to improve their management strategies and to attract more cruise ships, thereby contributing to the revenues of the port and regional economy.