Categorization of Hokkaido Ports for Cruise Ships

Hokkaido ports are generally defined as hubs or stopover ports ambiguously. Researchers often examine these roles together when discussing cruise promotion measures in the region without addressing the distinctions between the two types of ports. However, it is of essential significance to categorize them as hub or stopover ports using objective standards and identify ports that are likely to be visited by cruise ships. Such categorization will help promote the cruise ship business because measures that align with the characteristics of each port could be taken. This study analyzed the features of important ports in Hokkaido based on the methodology of the European Commission (https://europe.cruising.org/), an association of cruise ship operators in Europe. Accordingly, Hokkaido’s ports were categorized based on the three essential indices – “attractiveness to tourists,” “accessibility,” and “port facilities.” Categorization of ports will help discover the indispensable conditions for building ports and the benefits of the advantageous location. It also allows meaningful comparisons with other hub ports worldwide; thus, effective promotion measures could be formulated.