United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Report puts China cruise market at 83 million passengers
Cruise industry leaders have been hearing about the potential scale of the China cruise market, projected to reach up to 83 million customers, a study by the Hong Kong Tourism Board said.
The study was presented by Anthony Lau, executive director of the HKTB during the first day of the Cruise Shipping Miami conference.
The ‘Asia Cruise Potential & Passenger Behaviour Study’ revealed the potential for 83 million cruise passengers from only seven major source markets in Greater China and showed the market is generally younger and more family-orientated than traditional markets in Europe and North America.
Over 3,000 potential cruisers were surveyed, with 69% of families with children under 16 said they intend to take a cruise.
Also, a total of 51% under the age of 30 years would plan a cruise in the future.
A second study detailed how 21 ports in Asia have taken steps to upgrade infrastructure and cruise facilities such as expanded shore excursion offerings and the ability to issue visas on arrival.
These include Sanya, Xiamen, Zhoushan, Qingdao and Yantai in China, Taichung and Penghu in Taiwan, South Korea’s Mokpo and Yeosu and Boracay and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines.
Of these, about half will be able to accommodate ships of more than 100,000 tons within five years.
“The studies highlighted both the potential for growth in Asia cruise tourism and the region’s commitment to the industry. Hong Kong is the perfect location to tap into the growing cruise potential in the region,” Lau said.
“With the results of the two surveys showing the great potential and committed development, combined with the Asia Cruise Fund, Asia’s cruise tourism is ready to take off.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations