“Relaxed And Welcoming We Had A Great Time”, International Seafarers' Customized Experience In Ningbo

(MENAFN- GetNews) “The whole atmosphere here is very friendly and relaxed-we really enjoyed ourselves. This is a Chinese-style lucky charm we made, and I'm planning to hang it in my cabin,” said Hyacinthe, a seafarer from France. Not long ago, during a port call at the Meishan Port Area of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, he joined a specially organized activity for seafarers.

Like him, crew members from France, the Philippines, Ukraine, and other countries took part in a variety of activities, including fruit picking, local cuisine tasting, and traditional handicraft making. They also visited a lantern exhibition, gaining a firsthand experience of the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

Many of these seafarers have visited Ningbo multiple times with their vessels. While they are curious about Chinese culture, food, and tourism resources, work schedules and language barriers have left them with little-or no-opportunity to explore this renowned port city. These tailor-made activities are designed precisely to meet their needs.

As the world's busiest port by cargo throughput, Ningbo Zhoushan Port welcomes more than 15,000 international vessels and over 140,000 seafarer visits each year.

In recent years, Ningbo has stepped up efforts to better serve visiting seafarers by offering opportunities during their short port stays to experience Chinese customs, history, cuisine, and shopping. More than 100 customized events are held annually.

These activities are jointly organized by local government departments and service providers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Word of mouth among seafarers has boosted their popularity, making Ningbo a gateway for people from over 40 countries to get a closer look at China and Ningbo Zhoushan Port a port of call they most look forward to.

Looking ahead, Ningbo plans to establish an“Home to International Seafarers”, a dedicated space offering rest, recreation, and cultural experiences for visiting seafarers-further enriching their time ashore.

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