The 2013 8th China Cruise Shipping and International Cruise Expo (CCS8) came to a close on November 15 after three busy days at the Lake Malaren International Convention Center, in the Baoshan area of Shanghai.

The Deputy Mayor of Shanghai city, Wen Zhao, opened the event, together with many other Chinese dignitaries, such as Wen Xue Wu, Deputy Director of National Tourism Administration; Yong Chang, Qian, Chairman of China Communication & Transportation Association (CCTA); Peir Luigi Foschi, President, Asia & Pacific, Carnival Corporation and Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruise.

The organizer in-chief, Mr. Wei Hang, Zheng, the Vice-Chairman and Chief Secretary (de-facto CEO) of China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA) was pleased with the scale and scope of CCS8.

He shared with Cruise Industry News: “After 8 years of toil, CCS event has become a crucial platform for all cruise industry practitioners in China to share and exchange ideas, viewpoints and constructive recommendations. We will have over 600 delegates and approximately 40 exhibitors this year.”

“CCS returns to Shanghai after hosting our inaugural event back in 2006. Eight years after, Shanghai has gained maturity and confidence as a key cruise player in Asia. Being the only city in China with two cruise ports, Shanghai is definitely at the forefront and moving solidly ahead to develop its cruise economy,” continued Zheng.

Many programs were packed into the three-day event. Forums, namely the Industry Leader Forum, Cruise Professional Forum and Cruise Design and Construction Forum, with over 30 speakers on the agenda, roundtable meetings between government and cruise lines and between ports and lines.

In addition, the expo included two networking sessions for suppliers and lines.