Duty-free boost arriving soon for Shanghai cruise ship passengers

Shanghai tourist authorities are planning tax refunds for overseas tourists on purchases in designated shops, and are to open duty-free shops at the arrival areas of the city's two cruise terminals, a conference on China's cruise tourism development pilot zone heard yesterday.

The zone, the first of its kind in China, was approved to be set up in Shanghai by the China National Tourism Administration in September 2012.

Cruise liners bring lots of tourists to the city every year, said customs official Zhang Manxian, and it was hoped they would be encouraged to shop here.

In Hainan Province, overseas tourists can claim tax refunds worth 11 percent of their purchases at some shops when leaving China, with the minimum purchase set at 800 yuan (US$121). Beijing has similar plans, but details have not been announced.

Shops selling local specialty and folk products are being considered because foreign tourists like them, Zhang said.

There are also plans to open duty-free shops at the arrival areas of the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District and Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund in Hongkou District.

Currently, there is no duty-free shop at the arrival area of either terminal, meaning tourists can only shop at duty-free stores when they are about to leave.

With the new stores, they will be able to shop right after they disembark.

Approval from the central government is required, Zhang said.

Also discussed was expanding the types of goods sold at the cruise terminal shops. At present, only wine and cigarettes are on offer.

Zhang said that would be broadened to include luxury goods, leather products, perfume and cosmetics soon, and no later than this year.

Authorities are also working on cruises out to sea but with no destination. Such cruises could encompass various entertainments, including casinos, or even simple concepts such as appreciating the sunrise and sunset at sea, according to Sun Jianping, head of the Shanghai Transport and Port Administration.

Sun said such cruises could prove popular with local tourists who might like to spend just a weekend at sea.