Registration is officially open for the 12th annual China Cruise Shipping (CCS) event, scheduled to be held in Sanya, Nov. 5-7, 2017.

Confirmed speakers include Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation; Adam Goldstein, president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises; Frank del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; and Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.

The number one industry event in China is put on by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA).

The event aims to promote the development of the Chinese cruise industry and brings together not only cruise line decision makers, but Chinese officials, ports, shipyards, suppliers and more.

It is also the only event with decision makers from the Chinese government on-site, in addition to attendance by Chinese cruise lines: both existing companies and potential new start-ups.

Each year CCS follows a specific theme. 2017 will usher in the One Belt, One Road Initiative, according to the CCYIA.

In a broad sense, it is about a strategy and framework proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping focusing on connectivity and cooperation among countries, especially between China and the rest of Eurasia. It is split into two segments, the land-based area and more importantly: the ocean-going Maritime Silk Road.

“This topic has not been discussed before with the (cruise) industry,” noted Weiheng Zheng, executive vice president and secretary general, CCYIA.

The three day conference and trade show program is expanded from 2016, with detials available on the China Cruise Shipping website. 

The trade show was expanded in 2016 and featured not only more Chinese companies looking to do cruise business, but more firms from Europe and North America targeting procurement in the Asia-Pacific cruise region.