Take a slow boat in China

SHANGHAI: China has become the world’s second-largest market for cruise travel, according to industry reports.

By 2030, China will become the world’s largest cruise market, with eight to 10 million customers each year, according to the Shanghai International Shipping Institute.

Global cruise operators see great business opportunity in China and more overseas cruises will operate in the country, said Wang Ping, deputy manager of the China district of Princess Cruises.

“There has been extremely fast growth in the Chinese market. But on the other hand, its market penetration is still low compared to North America and Australia, so there is great market potential,” said Wang.

According to Ctrip. com, China’s largest online travel agency, cruise customers are expected to grow by 30% year on year in July.

Since the start of 2017, ports have been renovated to accommodate more cruise-liners and companies have also increased the number of ships serving the Chinese market, said Ctrip.

Cruises have become popular, not only in larger cities like Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou, but also in Chengdu, Qingdao and Xiamen.

“There have been many bookings from third- and fourth-tier cities and we will see more from mid-western cities in the next three years,” said Wang. – Xinhua