Qingdao, a coastal city in China, set out a program of incentive policies combined with new services, to accelerate the build out of the China Cruise Tourism Development Experimental Zone in Qingdao.
Namely, on December 11, Qingdao and Shibei District People’s Government released the Detailed Implementation of Policies in Support of Cruise Tourism in Qingdao. According to these policies, Qingdao’s government will provide incentive subsidies of up to 3 million yuan (approx. US$435,000) to cruise firms that include the city as a port of call in their itineraries.
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The policies also include travel agencies that organize sightseeing tours in the city, as well as outbound travel agencies and ticket agents that operate rented and chartered cruises in Qingdao.
Specifically, Qingdao plans to provide subsidies to the following qualified organizations:
- 100,000 to 500,000 yuan (approx. US$14,500- US$72,500) per voyage to cruise firms and travel agencies that qualify as per the recently released document mentioned above;
- 100,000 to 400,000 yuan (approx. US$14,500- US$58,000) per voyage for departures from Qingdao;
- 500,000 yuan (approx. US$72,500) per every ten voyages to cruise firms that have launched formal operations in Qingdao;
- 3 million yuan (approx. US$435,000) for 50 voyages and above.
Moreover, Shibei, the Qingdao International Cruise Port Services Administration and Qingdao Port Group have issued a notice prescribing that outbound travel agencies and ticket agents that rent or charter cruise ships with the base in Qingdao and succeed in boarding 5,000 or more passengers per year who then travel abroad could receive a subsidy of 200 yuan (approx. US$29) per passenger.
The cruise sector is seen as a huge revenue potential for the city and its economy. Qingdao’s geographical advantages have been further highlighted by its multiple international exchanges, while various factors have created a great opportunity for Qingdao to develop its cruise tourism industry.
