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Hong Kong could become a new stop on many cruise itineraries in a few years' time with the opening of a new terminal in the city.

The city's government has decided to offer financial support to the development of the new terminal at Kai Tak, which is set to have an operating berth by 2013.

After designing and building the terminal, the Hong Kong government will lease the facility's hardware to a cruise operator for rent, meaning it will still retain ownership of the site.

Hong Kong's cruise industry and travel trade will be consulted on the plans to ensure that the terminal is modern and suitable to market needs.

Rita Lau, Hong Kong's secretary for commerce and economic development, told Reuters: 'Tourism is a very important economic pillar of Hong Kong so it'll be in the interests of Hong Kong to support infrastructure which supports the development of tourism.'

The development could turn Hong Kong into a cruise hub to rival popular port destinations such as Shanghai and Singapore.

A number of operators currently offer cruise itineraries in the far east and Indian Ocean region, including Costa, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Azamara.

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