A cruise ship docks at Xiamen Port. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
Xiamen Port is one of the earliest ports in mainland China to receive international cruise ships.
Since the resumption of international cruise shipping services at Xiamen Port in October, it has operated 12 home port voyages with 18,000 inbound and outbound tourists.
The Xiamen Port Authority has also introduced relevant support policies to drive the development of the industry.
At present, Xiamen city is increasing its efforts to realize the comprehensive transformation of the international cruise home port area. The "Sea World" complex project has already been completed.
Meanwhile, the basic infrastructure of Xiamen International Cruise Center is being comprehensively upgraded. A new phase II terminal spanning 68,000 square meters is expected to be delivered in the first half of next year. The customs clearance efficiency will also be increased by 50 percent compared to the existing terminal.
In the future, the Xiamen Free Trade Zone management committee will join forces with the Xiamen Port Authority and other related departments to intensify efforts in attracting investment and cruise ships.
Local authorities are aiming to enrich the product line of Xiamen's cruise routes and roll out new "Maritime Silk Road" routes many countries in Southeast Asia. They are also striving for an early resumption of cruise routes to Taiwan.