Genting Hong Kong, parent company of Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises, says it has signed an agreement with China Merchants Shekou Holdings to jointly develop Tai Zi Bay, Shekou, Shenzhen into an international cruise homeport with the goal to accelerate the growth of the cruise industry in China.

Li Jianhong, Chairman of China Merchants Group, said the Tai Zi Bay Cruise Terminal would be the only cruise port in China capable of accommodating 220,000 gross ton cruise liners. In 2015, more than 1.2 million Chinese travelers joined cruises and this number is expected to rise to 4.5 million in five years.

“In response to the increasing demand in the market and to help develop the cruise industry in the country, Genting Hong Kong is strengthening its strategic deployment plan in Southern China and will offer a wide range of products optimised for Chinese travelers, providing them with easy access to cruises right from their doorstep,” Getting Hong Kong said.