Qingdao, a port city in Shandong province, eastern China, rolled out a program of incentives combined with new services, that aim to accelerate the build out of China Cruise Tourism Development Experimental Zone in Qingdao and city’s transition into a popular international tourism destination.
On December 11, Qingdao Municipal Tourism Development Committee and Shibei District People’s Government released a Detailed Implementation of Policies in Support of Cruise Tourism in Qingdao.
The document states that Qingdao’s municipal government intends to provide incentive subsidies of up to 3M yuan (approximately US$435,000) to cruise companies that include the city as a call port in their itineraries and travel agencies which organize sightseeing tours in the port city, as well as for ticket agents and outbound travel agencies that operate chartered and rented cruises in Qingdao.
Shibei District government, Qingdao Port Group and Qingdao International Cruise Port Services Administration jointly issued the notice “Ways to Encourage the Organization of Cruise Passenger Sources,” prescribing that ticket agents and outbound travel agencies that rent or charter cruise vessels with the base of operations in port of Qingdao and succeed in boarding more than 5,000 passengers annually who then travel abroad would be entitled to 200 yuan (approximately US$29) subsidy per passenger.
The cruise industry is seen as one with revenue potentials for the city and its economy. As an open coastal city and key port in northern China, Qingdao boasts a favorable climate, excellent deep-water port and rich tourism resources.
In addition, the geographical advantages of Qingdao have been further highlighted by port's multiple international exchanges.