Hainan sees boom in cruise tourism

The coastal city of Sanya, Hainan province, is experiencing significant advancements in the international cruise tourism sector.

According to the China Ports and Harbors Association, the city hit a milestone in the first half of the year, with inbound and outbound passenger throughput of international cruise visits soaring to 54,624 passengers. This remarkable feat not only signifies Sanya’s ascendancy to the top spot nationwide in this category but also underscores its burgeoning reputation as a leading cruise destination.

In addition, the total inbound and outbound passenger throughput of both visiting and home port passengers in Sanya reached 59,228 passengers, securing the third spot nationwide.

Sanya unveiled two new international routes at the beginning of this year. The 78,000-metric-ton Dream cruise ship set sail on Jan 14, offering routes from Sanya to Hue, Vietnam, followed by a journey to Ha Long Bay on Jan 25. Teaming up with the Resorts World One cruise ship, which commenced operations from Hong Kong to Sanya in September 2023, both vessels completed 16 voyages in January, welcoming 21,600 tourists from 27 countries and regions, according to the Sanya bureau of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

“I would rather travel by cruise, where I can relax, be entertained, admire magnificent sea views and have a better experience than flying,” said a Hong Kong tourist surnamed Chan.

Sanya is set to collaborate with neighboring cities and regions such as Hong Kong and Macau to develop multi-destination cruise products, aiming to tap into shared tourist markets and build a comprehensive cruise industry chain, said Albert Yip, director-general of the Sanya Tourism Board. ChinaDaily