Key facts
- China is promoting cruise tourism to stimulate economic growth and alleviate overcrowding.
- The Adora Magic City, China's first domestically built large cruise ship, has served over one million passengers.
- Shanghai cruise ports saw over 840,000 passengers in the first half of 2024.
- Cruise bookings in July have reached 70% of 2019 levels.
- New policies include visa-free entry for foreign cruise groups and streamlined supply replenishment.
China is intensifying efforts to promote cruise tourism as a strategy to stimulate economic growth, alleviate overcrowding at popular tourist destinations, and bolster its shipbuilding industry. This initiative comes as policymakers seek to encourage more relaxed travel styles to support a still-subdued consumer sentiment.
The cruise economy is seen as a vital sector for expanding domestic demand and cultivating new economic drivers, often referred to as the "golden industry that floats." China's extensive coastline and improving port infrastructure provide a strong foundation for this growth. In the first half of 2024, Shanghai's cruise ports handled over 90 international voyages, with more than 840,000 passengers passing through. The Adora Magic City, China's first domestically built large cruise ship, has welcomed over 150,000 tourists since its maiden voyage at the start of the year, and has since surpassed one million passengers overall.
Bookings for cruise trips in July have recovered to 70% of the levels seen in the same period in 2019, according to travel service provider Ctrip. Analysts predict the total market size will recover to 70% of its 2019 level in 2024 and fully recover by 2025, mirroring a global resurgence in the cruise market. The Cruise Lines International Association reported that global passenger volume in 2023 surpassed 2019 levels by 7%.
To support this recovery, China has implemented targeted policies, including a visa-free entry policy for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ship at any coastal port, introduced in May. Additionally, new regulations in June aim to facilitate the replenishment of supplies for international cruises at Chinese ports. Officials from the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Transport are working to promote high-quality development across cruise operations, equipment manufacturing, infrastructure, and tourism consumption. The construction of China's second domestically made cruise ship, the Adora Flora City, is over 90% complete and is scheduled for delivery this year, intended for international routes from Guangzhou.