China recorded in excess of two million outbound cruise passengers for the first time in 2016.
Data from the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association said last year there were 18 cruise ships based at China’s main ports, compared to just one a decade ago.
The association predicts the China cruise market will grow to 2.6 million this year and up to 3.5 million by 2020.
Tianjin international cruise port, which is Asia’s largest, handled 138 sailings in 2016 and that is expected to increase to 150 by the end of 2017.
"China’s cruise market has huge development potential," said Li Qinggang, director of Tianjin Dongjiang Maritime Safety Administration.
Overall there were 1,040 inbound and outbound cruise ship visits during 2016.
China is the world’s eighth largest cruise market.
