International tourists queue up to go through customs as they disembark from the cruise ship. [Photo/Xiamen International Cruise Home Port Group]
The first coastal inbound tourism project in China, known as China Discovery, completed its final voyage in Xiamen on Nov 14, with over 9,400 international visitors arriving on the Zhaoshang Yidun cruise ship. Simultaneously, on Nov 15, Xiamen International Cruise Home Port welcomed the Adora Mediterranea, with domestic tourists departing from Xiamen to kick off the warm winter cruise season.
The home port is seizing the opportunity presented by the visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ship.
By optimizing cruise reception services and enhancing the promotion of urban culture and tourism resources domestically and internationally, Xiamen is injecting momentum into the development of the port city and the cultural tourism industry chain, laying the foundation for building a world-class tourism and leisure city.
Since the beginning of this year, the home port has been focusing on attracting investment and developing diverse cruise routes such as traditional Japan-Korea routes, the Maritime Silk Road route, and transnational long-haul routes.
Meanwhile, the port showcases the charm of the "Garden on the Sea" city and promotes ship-port linkage. The "Xiagu Time" project at the Dongdu Ferry Terminal, located in the Xiamen Free Trade Zone, was unveiled during this year's National Day holiday, offering a variety of experiences including a seaside market, fun spaces, art bars, delicious snacks, and specialty dining options.
The "Xiagu Time" project attracts many tourists. [Photo/Xiamen International Cruise Home Port Group]