2019 Guangzhou International Tourism Exhibition opens at Nansha

Nansha Cruise ship is displayed at Guangzhou International Tourism Exhibition.[Photo by Liuwei/gznsnews.com.cn]

On Feb 21,2019, Guangzhou International Tourism Exhibition opened at the China Import and Export Fair. Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sport of Nansha District held a press conference on Nansha cruise tourism policy.

At the exhibition site, the reporter witnessed the Nansha booth decorated with two sailing boats, mermaids, and large-scale cruise posters, showing the characteristics of the coastal tourism in Nansha.

According to statistics, Nansha cruise tourism started from 2016, and with its rapid growth rate, it leaped to third place in the country in only one year. From 2016 to 2018, Nansha operated 320 voyages of inbound and outbound cruise ships, receiving 1,210,700 tourists. Nansha maintained the third position in China for three consecutive years. The relevant person in charge said that the Nansha International Cruise Home Port will be opened in coming November.

According to reports, Nansha Cruise Home Port has several highlights worthy of attention. It is closely integrated with transportation modes such as bus, subway, and Hong Kong and Macao water passenger transportation, providing multiple convenience for passengers' distribution.

In addition, it enjoys the most number of port inspection channels in China and is equipped with various intelligent and high-tech inspection equipment, which will increase customs clearance efficiency. It is the first domestic cruise port that adopts the shore power system of an internationally well-known brand to provide strong hardware support for the creation of green ports. An open platform is set up on the third floor of the terminal building to provide leisure and sightseeing space as well as entertainment and catering services.

In terms of software, the customs clearance speed of cruise passengers in Nansha is in the forefront of similar ports. The number of passenger self-service channels has also increased from the initial 6 to 16. The passenger self-service clearance rate exceeds 50 percent. Under normal conditions, the clearance time for each passenger is no more than five seconds, and after the return trip, the entry clearance is three seconds per person.

The relevant person in charge of the Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sport of Nansha District stated that through policy guidance and market-driven role, it will effectively attract international cruise organizations, cruise companies to expand the cruise business and support local tourism.

Next, Nansha will firmly grasp the opportunity of Belt and Road Initiative, the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the strategic development opportunities of free trade pilot zone to build Nansha into a first-class cruise tourism and leisure center.