Alan Lam reporting

Preparations are under way in Shanghai for this year’s China Cruise Shipping Conference & Expo (CCS), which will celebrate its 10th edition.

The gathering - organised by China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA), held in different cities in China each year - has been gaining popularity. It is attended by about 400 delegates and over 4,000 participants visit the exhibition. It has become one of Asia’s premier cruise shipping events, attracting growing attention from tourism and leisure sectors worldwide.

Domestically, CCS is supported by various related industries, as well as national, provincial, and municipal governments and authorities such as National Tourism Administration, Shanghai Municipal Government, and China Communications & Transportation Association.

Senior international cruise line executives will also be in attendance; they include those from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Carnival Corporation & plc, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Genting Hong Kong Ltd. Many of them are invited to address various forums.

All major cruise ports in Greater China are represented.

The guest and speaker lists also include representatives from Meyer Werft GmbH, Fincantieri, China State Shipbuilding Corporation and many others from the supply industry.

Main topics of this year’s conference will include cruise tourism promotion, ports and destinations development, shipbuilding and refurbishment, as well as industry leadership and management.

Cruise Business Review will follow this event closely.