China’s cruise industry picks up steam, fueling economic growth

With the expansion of cruise routes and ports over the past year, China's cruise industry is gaining momentum, showing renewed vitality and emerging as a potential driver of economic growth.

This year marks the second operational year of the "Adora Magic City", China's first large domestically-built cruise ship. This follows the ongoing construction of China's second domestically built large cruise ship, the "Adora Flora City" which is set to be delivered by the end of 2026 and will operate regular international cruises from Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.

Liu Hui, general manager of CSSC Cruise Technology Development Co., Ltd., shared his optimism about the sector's future. "2024 marks a full year of [the 'Adora Magic City'] operation. With strong government policy support, the industry is poised for strong growth. As China's economy continues to develop and its people pursue for a better life, cruise tourism is rapidly gaining popularity. Regarding both the supply and consumer sides, we will surely have a very good prospect," said Liu.

In addition to domestic advancements, international cruise companies are also accelerating their return to China.

Latest data showed that there are three international cruise ships and five local vessels operating across 12 ports in the Chinese mainland.

"We believe that from 2024 onwards, China's cruise industry is entering its second 'golden decade.' What's happening now? More international tourists come to China to experience cruises. In 2024, global cruise tourism is expected to see 34.7 million passengers. On average, one job is created for every 20 passengers, resulting in the need for over 1.7 million jobs. Cruise ships require dozens to even hundreds of tons of food daily. Additionally, tourists will need accommodation, dining, and transportation in Shanghai, generating a direct economic impact estimated to reach trillions of yuan," said Ye Xinliang, deputy director of Shanghai International Cruise Business Institute.

China’s cruise industry picks up steam, fueling economic growth

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday that China stands ready to strengthen mutual support with Azerbaijan in accordance with the consensus of the two heads of state.

While meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, on the sidelines of a United Nations Security Council high-level meeting on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system, Wang said that strengthening and developing the China-Azerbaijan relations is not only a political decision of the two heads of state, but also the shared choice of the two peoples.

China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to advance Belt and Road cooperation, share development opportunities, and strengthen multilateral coordination, so as to better support the modernization efforts of both countries, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

China will fully support Azerbaijan in its role as the rotating chair of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Wang said.

For his part, Bayramov said that Azerbaijan highly appreciates the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and firmly supports China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Azerbaijan is willing to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership with China to a new level, Bayramov said.

China ready to enhance mutual support with Azerbaijan: FM