The 18th China Cruise Shipping Conference (CCS18), organized by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA), is scheduled to take place in Nansha, Guangzhou, from November 5th to 8th, 2025.
National authorities last year unveiled critical support measures, including visa-free entry for cruise passengers and regulations governing international cruise supply at Chinese ports, providing a solid policy framework for the industry’s high-quality development in 2025. Ministry of Transport data shows that in Q1 2025, China’s international cruise market saw 16 ships operate 141 voyages, transporting 328,000 passengers，marking a 67.8% year-on-year surge and signaling a rapid rebound in operations.
This year marks the 6th anniversary of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan and a pivotal moment for advancing the Nansha Comprehensive Cooperation Plan’s global ambitions. The CCS18 conference aims to leverage Nansha’s dual status as a national-level new area and free trade zone to accelerate strategic growth. Key focuses include showcasing Nansha’s progress in opening up to the global cruise industry, attracting cruise-related resources, and building a robust regional cruise ecosystem. These initiatives aim to bolster Guangzhou’s bid to become a National Comprehensive Cooperation Demonstration Zone and a Global International Consumption Center City.
Since its inception in October 2006, the China Cruise Shipping Conference (CCS) has been held for 17 years in seven cities—Shanghai, Xiamen, Beijing, Sanya, Shenzhen (Hong Kong), Tianjin, and Guangzhou. Backed by national agencies including the NDRC, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the conference has grown from 70 to 700 attendees, welcoming delegates from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Japan, and other nations.
Renowned as Asia’s most influential cruise event, CCS has long been a platform for addressing industry trends, releasing policy updates, and fostering global collaboration. It continues to showcase China’s cruise economy achievements and serve as a cornerstone for international dialogue.