To the People’s Governments of All Districts, and the Relevant Commissions, Offices, and Bureaus of the Municipal Government:

To promote the sustained and healthy development of the city’s cruise industry, further enhance the quality and efficiency of the cruise economy, foster new drivers of growth for the cruise economy, and better meet the public’s growing demand for leisure and tourism, the following opinions are hereby put forward with the approval of the Municipal People’s Government.

I. Guiding Principles

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will fully implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the second, third, fourth, and fifth plenary sessions of the 19th Central Committee. Focusing on the major national strategy of deepening the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, we will implement the functional positioning of “One Base and Three Zones,” accelerate the construction of the Northern International Shipping Core Zone,actively foster the development of an international consumer hub and a regional commercial center; develop the full-chain cruise industry, including cruise tourism, manufacturing and maintenance, procurement and supply of cruise supplies, and port services; promote the transformation and upgrading of Tianjin’s cruise industry; continuously enhance its reputation, influence, and appeal; and contribute to the high-quality development of Tianjin’s economy.

II. Basic Principles

— Market-led, government-guided. Fully leverage the decisive role of the market in resource allocation and emphasize the leading role of enterprises in the development of the cruise industry. Strengthen interdepartmental coordination and collaboration between municipal and district levels, integrate resources, and implement scientific planning to create a first-class environment for the development of Tianjin’s cruise industry.

— Innovative Models, Industrial Synergy. Drawing on the development experience of advanced regions, we will innovate the development model for cruise homeports, improve international cruise routes, extend the cruise industry chain, enrich cruise products, optimize management and services, and enhance the industry’s clustering and radiating effects.

——Coordinated Development, Openness and Sharing. Fully implement and serve the major national strategy of coordinated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region; adhere to distinctive development and complementary advantages; strengthen communication and consultation with relevant national ministries and commissions to secure more pilot policies. Establish a new mechanism for cruise industry development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, jointly build the cruise tourism market, and jointly promote the development of the cruise industry.

III. Key Tasks

(1) Strengthen Top-Level Design for Cruise Industry Development

Organize the drafting of the “14th Five-Year Plan” for the development of Tianjin’s cruise industry. Focusing on advancing the construction of the Northern International Shipping Hub, comprehensively plan the development layout of the city’s entire cruise industry chain. Establish a new industrial system centered on cruise operations, with research, development, maintenance, and manufacturing as the foundation, and supported by freight distribution, financial services, and port services, to propel the cruise economy into a new highlight of Tianjin’s high-quality development.(Led by the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, in collaboration with the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Municipal Finance Bureau, the Municipal Commerce Bureau, the Municipal Transport Commission, the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, the Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Municipal Market Regulation Commission, the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the Municipal Education Commission, the Municipal Financial Bureau, the Municipal Taxation Bureau,Tianjin Customs, Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration, Tianjin Border Inspection Station, People’s Bank of China Tianjin Branch, Tianjin Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau, Binhai New Area People’s Government, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, Tianjin Port Bonded Area Management Committee, Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, Tianjin Port Group, and Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association)Drawing on global experience in the development of cruise homeports, formulate a special plan for the construction of the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport as a "cruise port city." The plan will outline improvements to the comprehensive cruise passenger service hall and supporting facilities in the surrounding areas, including commercial, recreational, convention and exhibition, and public transportation amenities, to promote the development of the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport into a "cruise port city." (Led by the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, with the cooperation of the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, Tianjin Port Group, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association)

(2) Building a Chinese Cruise Ship Manufacturing and Repair Base

Leveraging the 500,000-ton and 300,000-ton dry docks of Tianjin Xingang Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., we will strengthen business cooperation with enterprises such as China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited. We will support key local shipbuilding enterprises in manufacturing high-standard cruise ships, prioritize the research and development of senior-oriented cruise ships and inland sea cruise roll-on/roll-off vessels, and expand into the cruise ship design and manufacturing sector.Leveraging geographical advantages and bonded repair policies, support key local ship repair and construction enterprises in developing cruise ship repair and refit services. Gradually attract and cultivate supporting service enterprises across the upstream and downstream segments of the cruise ship repair and construction industry chain, extending toward the high-end of the cruise industry chain and value chain, to build the largest cruise ship repair and maintenance base in Northern China. (Led by the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, in cooperation with the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, the Administrative Committee of Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone, the Administrative Committee of Dongjiang Free Trade Port Area, and Tianjin Port Group)

(3) Building a Cruise Tourism Hub in Northern China

1. Vigorously advance the construction of the China Cruise Tourism Development Pilot Zone. Regulate cruise tourism operations, diversify cruise routes, and strengthen regional cooperation in cruise tourism. Fully leverage the abundant tourism resources of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to actively attract international cruise companies to establish medium- and long-haul cruise routes with Tianjin as the port of departure. Develop diversified cruise routes, further optimize the layout of cruise routes in the Tianjin cruise market, and enhance the appeal of Tianjin’s cruise tourism products.(Led by the Municipal Commission of Transport and the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, with support from Tianjin Port Group) Explore the launch of cruise sea-tour routes and actively seek to pilot such routes operated by Chinese-owned non-Five-Star Red Flag cruise ships. (Led by the Municipal Commission of Transport and the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, with support from the Tianjin Border Inspection General Station, the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, and Tianjin Port Group)

2. Expand the “Tour Tianjin” market. Intensify efforts to develop the hinterland tourist market in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Encourage travel agencies to organize “cruise + Tianjin tour” itineraries that start or end at the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport and cover Tianjin’s major tourist attractions, thereby attracting mainland cruise passengers to tour, stay, and spend in Tianjin. (Led by the Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau; supported by the People’s Government of Binhai New Area and the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee)

3. Develop inbound cruise tourism. Collaborate with international cruise lines and travel agencies in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei to jointly develop inbound tour itineraries and increase the number of inbound cruise voyages. Fully leverage the 144-hour visa-free transit policy and port visa policies for foreign nationals to attract foreign tourists to travel and spend in Tianjin.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, with support from the Municipal Public Security Bureau, Tianjin Border Inspection General Station, Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the Administration Committee of the Pilot Free Trade Zone) Formulate cruise tourism service standards aligned with international practices. (Led by the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, with support from the Municipal Commission of Transport and the Municipal Commission of Market Regulation)

4. Seek policy support. Actively work to ensure the early implementation of the 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups arriving via international cruise ships.(Led by the Municipal Public Security Bureau, with support from the Tianjin Border Inspection Station, the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and the Municipal Bureau of Commerce) Continue to seek approval to launch a pilot program for cruise ship docking tours in the Free Trade Pilot Zone. (Led by the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, with support from the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Municipal Commission of Transport, the Tianjin Border Inspection Station, and the Tianjin Customs)

5. Strengthen promotion and marketing. Organize participation in internationally influential global cruise exhibitions to showcase Tianjin’s cruise tourism products and expand the international cruise tourism market; actively bid to host the China Cruise Industry Development Conference; leverage the platform of the China Tourism Industry Expo to invite renowned domestic and international cruise tourism enterprises to exhibit and attend; enhance the promotion of Tianjin’s cruise tourism; and further elevate the visibility and influence of Tianjin’s cruise tourism.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, in coordination with the Municipal Commission of Transport, the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, the Administrative Committee of Dongjiang Bonded Port Area, and the Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association) Fully leverage the platform of the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin) to vigorously promote Tianjin as an international cruise homeport.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, in cooperation with the Tianjin Port Group) Optimize and refine the promotional plan for Tianjin’s cruise tourism, and continue to publicize the implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for certain foreign nationals in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region; intensify efforts to develop and promote the passenger source markets in the hinterland of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to enhance the competitiveness and influence of Tianjin’s international cruise homeport.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, in cooperation with the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, Tianjin Port Group, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association)

(4) Establish an International Cruise Supplies Procurement and Supply Center

Research and formulate innovative policies for cruise ship supply, and accelerate the development of cruise ship distribution services in the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area. Building upon the existing duty-free shopping zone for outbound travelers, establish a comprehensive cruise ship supply logistics base to expand global procurement support for cruise ship supplies and international shore-based distribution services for cruise tourism, thereby scaling up the cruise logistics industry.(Led by the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, in cooperation with Tianjin Customs and Tianjin Port Group) Support the China International Cruise Supplies Procurement Alliance in launching practical operations in Tianjin.(Led by the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, with cooperation from the Municipal Transport Commission and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association) Establish a procurement and supply platform, regularly organize procurement and supply matchmaking events, encourage relevant enterprises to cooperate with international cruise lines, and integrate them into the procurement and supply systems of international cruise lines; cultivate a group of leading enterprises in cruise ship supply to increase the proportion of local materials and goods procured by international cruise lines.(Led by the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, with cooperation from Tianjin Customs, Tianjin Port Group, the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association) Streamline the inspection process for cruise ship supplies, innovate the regulatory model for cruise ship supply, and establish a customs supervision system compatible with international distribution operations. (Led by the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, with cooperation from Tianjin Customs and Tianjin Port Group)

(5) Accelerate the Construction of the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport

1. Improve surrounding supporting facilities. Conduct in-depth research on relevant policies and increase support for the operation of the Tianjin International Cruise Terminal. (Led by the Municipal Commission of Transport, with cooperation from the People’s Government of Binhai New Area and the Municipal Finance Bureau) Drawing on domestic and international experience in cruise terminal development, construct a series of supporting facilities—including commercial services, leisure and entertainment, and dining and accommodation—in phases based on market demand and actual conditions. Clarify the entities responsible for investment promotion and the investment promotion plan, identify potential corporate partners, and accelerate efforts to address shortcomings in cruise tourism infrastructure.(Led by the People’s Government of Binhai New Area; supported by the Municipal Transport Commission, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, and Tianjin Port Group)

2. Improve the public transportation system. Improve the public transportation system around the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport by increasing the number of public transportation routes and their frequency.(Led by the Binhai New Area People’s Government, with support from the Municipal Transport Commission, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau, and the Tianjin Port Group) Optimize and strengthen the direct sea-air intermodal transport services for cruise passengers. (Led by the Municipal Transport Commission, with support from the Binhai New Area People’s Government, the Tianjin Port Group, and Tianjin Binhai International Airport) Study the planning and layout of rapid rail transit at the Tianjin International Cruise Terminal.(Led by the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, with support from the Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Bureau and the People’s Government of Binhai New Area) Study the planning and construction of a general-purpose waterborne airport in the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area to develop new business models such as short-haul transportation, sightseeing tours, flight experiences, and maritime emergency rescue, thereby achieving integrated sea-air operations. (Led by the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, with support from the Municipal Transport Commission, the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, the Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration, and the Tianjin Port Group)

3. Explore the establishment of cruise tourism service centers and crew service centers. Based on actual needs, explore market-oriented operations for cruise tourism service centers and crew service centers to provide services for tourists and crew members, VIP reception, cruise crew training, and international labor dispatch for cruise industry personnel, thereby enhancing the level of cruise tourism services.(Led by Tianjin Port Group, with support from the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, the Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Binhai New Area People’s Government, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association)

(6) Vigorously Cultivate Market Entities in the Cruise Industry

Support enterprises engaged in shipbuilding and ship repair, cruise exhibitions and conventions, procurement and supply, and freight distribution to register and operate in Tianjin. (Responsibility lies with the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and the Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association, in accordance with their respective duties) Encourage international cruise lines to establish regional headquarters in Tianjin, encourage enterprises to establish cruise companies in Tianjin, and support financial leasing companies in conducting cruise ship leasing operations.(Led by the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, with support from the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, the Municipal Commission of Transport, the Municipal Financial Bureau, Tianjin Port Group, the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association)

(7) Optimizing the Development Environment for the Cruise Industry

1. Strengthen overall coordination. Establish a coordination mechanism for the development of Tianjin’s cruise industry, led by a relevant municipal government official and comprising relevant municipal departments, the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, the Administration Committee of Dongjiang Bonded Port Area, the Administration Committee of Tianjin Port Bonded Area, the Administration Committee of the Pilot Free Trade Zone,Tianjin Port Group, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association. Based on the current status of the city’s cruise industry development and in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this mechanism will strengthen overall coordination and interdepartmental collaboration, study and deploy key tasks for the city’s cruise industry development, and ensure the effective implementation of all tasks. The Municipal Bureau of Commerce will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of this coordination mechanism.

2. Increase Support. Make full use of special funds for tourism development and the construction of world-class ports, and reasonably allocate municipal and district-level fiscal resources to provide coordinated support for the cruise industry. (Responsibility lies with the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Municipal Commission of Transport, the Municipal Finance Bureau, and the People’s Government of Binhai New Area according to their respective duties.) Provide incentives to travel agencies that organize cruise passengers on “Cruise + Tianjin Tour” itineraries and achieve positive results.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, with support from the Municipal Finance Bureau and the People’s Government of Binhai New Area) Encourage investment entities to take the lead in establishing cruise industry investment funds to attract more social capital to participate in the development of the cruise industry. (Led by the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, with support from the Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, Tianjin Port Group, and the Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee)

3. Strengthen industry research. Leveraging university resources and expert teams, establish a think tank for the cruise industry to conduct in-depth research on domestic and international cruise industry development experiences, relevant policies and regulations, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing Tianjin’s cruise industry, thereby scientifically planning the direction, pathways, and policy measures for the development of Tianjin’s cruise industry.(Led by the Municipal Bureau of Commerce, with support from the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Municipal Public Security Bureau, Municipal Commission of Transport, Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources, Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Municipal Market Regulation Commission, Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Municipal Education Commission, Tianjin Customs, Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration, Binhai New Area People’s Government, Dongjiang Bonded Port Area Management Committee, Free Trade Pilot Zone Management Committee, Tianjin Port Group, and Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association)Strengthen talent development by encouraging local universities to enhance training for the cruise industry and encouraging industry organizations to strengthen skills training for cruise industry personnel. (Led by the Municipal Education Commission, with support from the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau and the Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association)

4. Leverage the Role of Associations. Support and promote the role of social organizations such as the Tianjin Cruise and Yacht Association in strengthening communication between the government and enterprises, as well as in facilitating exchanges and cooperation between the Tianjin International Cruise Homeport and international cruise companies, thereby highlighting the central role of enterprises in the development of the cruise industry.(Led by the Municipal Commerce Bureau; in cooperation with the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Municipal Transportation Commission, the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the People’s Government of Binhai New Area, the Administrative Committee of Dongjiang Bonded Port Area, the Administrative Committee of the Pilot Free Trade Zone, and Tianjin Port Group)

5. Improve emergency response mechanisms. Implement a routine emergency support mechanism for the Tianjin International Cruise Terminal, formulate a general emergency plan and relevant specialized emergency plans, and ensure the efficient operation of the emergency rescue system. Strengthen the capacity for cruise operation support and further enhance monitoring, forecasting, and early warning capabilities for adverse weather conditions such as heavy fog and strong winds.During the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensively implement infection prevention and control measures in public areas of cruise ports, on cruise ships, and in related facilities and equipment, and ensure effective pandemic prevention and control for cruise staff and passengers within these areas. Further enforce the primary responsibility of cruise companies for operational safety and of travel agencies for tourism safety, urging them to improve various emergency response plans and effectively enhance their emergency response capabilities.(Led by the Municipal Emergency Management Bureau, with cooperation from the Binhai New Area People’s Government, the Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Municipal Health Commission, the Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration, the Tianjin Customs, the Tianjin Border Inspection General Station, the Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, the Municipal Meteorological Bureau, the Municipal Transportation Commission, the Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Tianjin Port Group, and the Municipal Cruise and Yacht Association)

　　　　　　　　General Office of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Government

　　　　　　　　　　September 8, 2021