The third largest city in China and the largest coastal city in the north, Tianjin is the second largest cruise port in China. For the first time the Tianjin International Cruise Terminal (TICT) will extend its season to the end of the year.

TICT General Manager Zhengdong Zhang said: “We are expecting more than 100 calls and over 400,000 tourists this year. Compared to last year, both figures represent more than a 70 percent increase. ”

The 100 calls include 40 from the Costa Atlantica, which will homeport at Tianjin until December. And in addition to the usual Korea, Japan and Taiwan itineraries, TICT is exploring Russian cruise routes.

The port is also implementing an “independent cruise traveler clearance system.” Previously when a travel agent had many cruise passengers in a group and one is late, everyone had to wait before clearing the port (together)n but with the new system, a passengers can board as they arrive.

Tianjin is striving for special status in a few areas, including 72 hours of visa-free status for foreign visitors coming off ships, as well as expanding duty free privileges and applying for a license to offer cruises to nowhere.

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The 10th edition of the China Cruise Shipping and International Expo is the Asia/Pacific’s No. 1 cruise event, learn more at http://www.ccyia.com/. The show takes place Oct. 13-15 in Shanghai, October.

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