China Sees 40% Surge in Cruise Passenger Throughput and Marine Tourism Growth in H1 2025

China’s cruise industry has experienced a remarkable recovery, with the Ministry of Natural Resources reporting a 40.1% increase in cruise passenger throughput at its ports during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. This surge signals the resurgence of the domestic marine tourism sector, which is rebounding to its pre-pandemic levels.

In this six-month period, the marine tourism sector’s value soared to 771.8 billion yuan (approximately US$108 billion), reflecting an 8% year-on-year growth. The Ministry credited several factors for this revival: favorable government policies, an increase in the number of vessels and ports, and growing demand for national travel. Analysts noted that improved cruise capacity and consistent growth in related metrics were driven by coordinated port development, relaxed visa requirements for cruise groups, and various incentive programs for operators.

Additionally, China’s gross ocean product (GOP), which accounts for various marine activities including fisheries, shipping, energy, and recreation, increased by 5.8% to reach 5.1 trillion yuan during the same period. Notably, the marine tourism segment’s growth outpaced that of other sectors, emphasizing its importance in the nation’s maritime economy’s post-pandemic recovery.

To support the ongoing tourism momentum, Chinese coastal authorities have swiftly approved the use of 167,000 hectares of marine and island areas, which includes plans for new cruise terminals and yacht berths. Infrastructure investments have positively impacted other sectors such as sea freight, shipbuilding, offshore wind energy, and aquatic farming.

The Ministry anticipates that marine tourism will continue to gain traction through summer and into autumn as domestic leisure travel peaks. Operationally, this shift indicates significant changes in vessel deployment, insurance considerations, shore excursions, and capacity planning, reinforcing the expanding cruise economy’s establishment in China’s coastal regions.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Editorial Team

At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.

Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.

Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.