Revival of international cruise tourism in China

Monday, March 18, 2024

It was reported that on a recent Saturday, a significant milestone was achieved in China’s cruise tourism industry with the departure of the first international cruise from a Chinese home port since the pandemic. This landmark event saw the MSC Bellissima, heralded as Asia’s largest cruise ship, setting sail from Shanghai to Okinawa, Japan. The voyage, spanning five days, is notable for its capacity to host over 5,000 passengers, marking a momentous occasion as the MSC Bellissima becomes the first international cruise brand to utilize China as a point of departure in the post-pandemic era.

This year has been particularly promising for the cruise tourism sector in China, witnessing a robust recovery. Statistics from Shanghai alone highlight the industry’s resurgence, with over 270,000 passengers recorded as entering or leaving the country via cruise ships since the year’s start. This revival indicates a growing competitiveness within the cruise tourism market, underscored by the return of both domestic and foreign cruise lines to China’s ports.

MA Yingjie, the Deputy Director of Shanghai Pujiang Border Checkpoint, provided insight into the burgeoning demand for cruise tourism. Following the resumption of international cruise operations in 2023, there has been a significant uptick in interest among tourists. Shanghai Cruise Port, leveraging its status as Asia’s premier cruise port, has played a pivotal role in this revival. The port’s strategic market positioning has contributed to a notable increase in the volume of passengers entering and exiting through its gates. By mid-March of this year, the border inspection authorities in Shanghai had facilitated over 130 international cruises, evidencing the sector’s vibrant recovery and the effective measures implemented to cater to the surging demand.

The resurgence of international cruise tourism from China, spearheaded by the MSC Bellissima’s journey, signals a positive trajectory for the industry. It reflects not only the global cruise market’s adaptability and resilience but also China’s growing influence as a key player in the international tourism landscape. This development holds promise for the future, suggesting a wider economic impact and enhanced travel experiences for tourists, thereby contributing significantly to the global tourism sector’s recovery and growth.

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