Hainan issues first permit for marine cruise route

Piano Land, a cruise ship of Astro Ocean Cruise's, heads towards Sanya, Hainan province. [Photo/sanya.gov.cn]

Hainan's department of transportation issued a trial operation business license to Astro Ocean Cruise on Sept 23, allowing the company to launch cruise ship routes and overseas travel products. 

The department, along with the Sanya municipal government and Astro Ocean Cruise, signed a cooperation agreement on the same day to boost the cruise tourism industry by developing cruise routes and rolling out overseas travel products based on the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal.

According to the agreement, Astro Ocean Cruise will operate its vessel Piano Land in Hainan and take Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal as its home port. 

It will make full use of to the advantages of China Tourism Group and COSCO SHIPPING Group in terms of industrial layout and brand influence, as well as explore in-depth cooperation with Hainan in the development of related supporting industries, such as cruise ship repair, maintenance, and ship supply materials. It will also promote the construction of the Sanya International Cruise Home Port, as well as help build a world-class international cruise tourism consumption center and an important cruise material supply base in the Asia-Pacific region.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Astro Ocean Cruise is established jointly by China Tourism Group and COSCO SHIPPING Group. According to the company's plan, it will launch marine tourism products with local characteristics in Hainan in the initial stage, with plans to operate more travel routes after the COVID-19 pandemic is resolved.