Kuomintang Shanghai Municipal Committee: Recommend Extending Cruise Ship Docking Period for the Convenience of Passengers to Enjoy the Visa-Free Transit Policy
For global travelers who love cruise tourism, can Shanghai be made their first stop for inbound tourism?
At the upcoming Shanghai Two Sessions in 2025, the Shanghai Committee of the Jiu San Society plans to submit a proposal titled “Suggestions on Building Shanghai into a World-Class Cruise Tourism Destination”.
The proposal points out that as an emerging tourism method, cruise tourism is gradually becoming an important force in promoting international tourism and economic development. Shanghai has unique geographical advantages and rich tourism resources. It has formed a “two-main-one-backup” cruise homeport layout, with industrial areas distributed in the three core areas of Hongkou North Bund, Baoshan Wusongkou, and Pudong Waigaoqiao. Building Shanghai into a world-class cruise tourism destination is not only of great significance to the development of the cruise economy, but also has a driving effect on the surrounding areas of the cruise homeport and Shanghai’s economic development.
However, compared with international cruise port cities, Shanghai still has certain gaps, and there are mainly the following problems:
Firstly, the attraction to international cruise ships has not been fully explored. As a cruise destination, Shanghai’s popularity in the international cruise tourism market is not high, and it lacks distinctive features that attract foreign tourists to visit.
Secondly, the fees for cruise ship berthing are relatively high. Cruise ship berthing fees are similar to parking lot fees, with ordinary ships charged daily after exceeding 24 hours, while cruise ships are charged hourly regardless of how long they stay. Therefore, most cruise ships arrive in the morning and depart in the evening, and few cruise ships stay for a long time at the port of call. The latest policy of visa-free entry for up to 240 hours has not been fully utilized.
Thirdly, there is insufficient commercial momentum within the cruise port area. A large amount of space within the cruise port’s internal passage area and terminal has not been fully developed and utilized, unable to meet the consumer demand of incoming and outgoing passengers during waiting periods.
Fourthly, the data statistics system is not perfect. Currently, most of the statistics on Shanghai’s cruise industry come from reports issued by industry associations or research institutions, which are relatively thin. There is still a lot of room for improvement in data statistics and information publicity.
In response to the above issues, this proposal puts forward four specific suggestions:
Firstly, take multiple measures to create the brand of “Shanghai Cruise Tour”.
By holding thematic promotional activities regularly, attract domestic and foreign tourists; use social media, travel exhibitions, international cooperation and other methods to showcase the unique charm and quality services of “Shanghai Cruise Tour”, attract more tourists and cruise companies, and enhance the international popularity of Shanghai as a cruise tourism destination.
Secondly, appropriately reduce fees with reference to international standards.
In order to attract more domestic and foreign cruise ships to call at Shanghai Port and drive on-land consumption, it is suggested to refer to international rate levels, encourage port operators, agencies, navigation agencies, etc., to appropriately reduce charging standards through government subsidies or other means, or set a tiered charging mechanism. Promote cooperation between ports and cruise companies, extend the stay period of visiting cruise ships, facilitate foreign visitors to fully enjoy the visa-free policy, and expand more consumption scenarios on land such as performances, hotels, and nearby tours.
Thirdly, tap into commercial resources within the cruise port.
Build an international tourism and commerce service consumption agglomeration area with cruise as a特色，推动上海的“建筑地标”向“文旅地标”和“消费地标”转型。以吴淞港为例，可以充分利用港区外的现有商业资源，在港区内现有区域增设固定商铺位。在邮轮靠泊日，鼓励邮轮公司、旅行社、附近商户在旅客活动范围内设置可移动展台，作为品牌宣传、产品销售的新平台，实现吴淞口邮轮港内外商业资源的连接与联动。
Fourthly, establish a cruise data statistics system. Learn from the experience and practices of Miami Cruise Port, gradually establish and improve the data statistics and publicity mechanism for the cruise industry, and encourage port companies to refine their data indicators and statistical dimensions related to cruises. It is suggested that the Culture and Tourism Bureau work with travel agencies, as well as fixed-point merchants in shopping malls and restaurants during tours, to jointly establish a comprehensive data statistics system for cruise shore excursions that covers tourist consumption behavior, business operating conditions, overall economic benefits, etc., laying a foundation for Shanghai to build a world-class cruise tourism destination.
