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Chinese travel giant China Tourism Group has partnered with several other companies to establish a central state-owned cruise operator that consolidates their assets, aiming to operate Asia’s largest cruise fleet and invigorate the development of China’s cruise industry.
The new platform, managed by China Tourism’s subsidiary Huaxia International Cruises, will oversee a fleet of large, luxurious cruise ships, including the Adora Magic City, Adora Mediterranea, Nanhai Dream, Piano Land, and Adora Flora City, according to sources from Haikou-based China Tourism.
This consolidation was completed on November 21, when China Tourism Group and China COSCO Shipping Group formed a subsidiary called Star Cruises under Huaxia.
In December of last year, Huaxia announced plans to increase investments in Adora Cruises and collaborate with CSSC Cruise Technology Development, based in Hong Kong and owned by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, to develop a complete industrial chain. This chain covers everything from cruise ship design and construction to supply chain management and operations.
Experts note that cruise ships generate economic value far beyond their immediate operations. They stimulate growth in numerous sectors such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, tourism, trade, financial services, and cultural industries, creating a significant multiplier effect.
Every one yuan (approximately 14 cents USD) of revenue from the cruise industry can lead to economic activity worth ten to fourteen yuan in related sectors, according to Li Ming, general manager of Huaxia in Shanghai.
China’s cruise industry experienced a booming decade from 2008 to 2017, transforming the country into the world’s second-largest source of cruise passengers after the United States. During that period, the number of cruise travelers grew annually by 40 to 50 percent. Industry experts say China’s cruise economy is now entering a new phase of growth.
In the first three quarters of this year, China’s cruise ports handled 344 ships, a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. Approximately 2.05 million passengers traveled to or from the country on these vessels, marking a 28 percent year-over-year rise.
China Tourism Group owns a 35.3 percent stake in Huaxia, which was established in December 2023. China COSCO Shipping Group and China Merchants Group each hold a 17.6 percent share.
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