| dc.description.abstract | The modern cruise tourism industry, which started to develop and diversify from the 1960s, has evolved from small-scale adventure and luxury for the affluent to large-scale vessels equal to a global floating destination for the mass market. The industry has the potential to generate economic benefits for destination ports from the expenditure of the cruise operators, passengers and crews. However, research shows that the emergence of large cruise ships with a significant range of onboard services means that cruise companies may benefit more from passenger expenditure than businesses in the local economy at the shore. Cruise operators have shifted their focus to promoting a holiday experience on board by providing all-inclusive resort experiences instead of making destination ports the primary attraction. In addition, the contribution of cruise passengers’ expenditure in destination ports is lower compared to that of regular tourists. Consequently, this study seeks to evaluate the perceptions of cruise tourism and its impacts on tourism-related businesses in Malaysia from multiple perspectives involving the destination stakeholders, businesses, and cruise passengers for the purpose to justify if the cruise tourism may benefit the local businesses at the cruise destination port. This study focuses on one of the most favoured stop-over cruise ports in Malaysia as a case study, namely Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal at George Town, Penang. The cruise terminal is more than just a destination for international cruises as it acts as a catalyst for the development of the local and international tourism industry in Malaysia. This study adopts a multi-methods research design based on a case study to build a more holistic insight into cruise tourism. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and tourism-related businesses explores perceptions of cruise tourism development and its impact on the local economy, particularly on the tourism-related businesses. Quantitative data collected through a survey questionnaire examines the passengers’ perceptions and behaviour at the destination. The study identifies the growth of Penang as a cruise tourism port based on cruise ship and passenger arrivals, alongside cruise terminal expansion involving a partnership with an international cruise line. Integrative collaboration between destination stakeholders with public and private sectors is highlighted as the main factor that contributes to cruise development. Most of the tourism-related businesses believed that cruise passenger spending had benefited their businesses. In addition, the proximity of the location of the cruise terminal to the businesses does not necessarily mean that a business will be more highly impacted by cruise tourists. More important aspects affecting perceived passenger propensity to visit businesses and attractions include where tour guides take passengers, onboard marketing brochures that highlight tourism-related businesses, and the ease of access to public and hired transportation for cruise passengers to travel within Penang. Cruise passengers’ perceptions of Penang as a stop-over destination are explored, particularly in relation to motivation, mobility and on-shore activities, purchase behaviour, satisfaction, and intention to return and recommend to others. The primary conclusion of this study is that integration between destination stakeholders and tourism-related businesses plays a crucial role in enticing and accommodating cruise lines and passengers, and generating more beneficial outcomes for the destination. | en_GB |
