New majors fuel China's cultural and tourism boom

Twenty-nine new majors have been introduced to advanced education institutions on Tuesday by China's Ministry of Education, in response to the evolving needs of national strategies and the pursuit of high-quality development. Among them, programs such as International Cruise Management, Aviation Sports, and Digital Drama will inject fresh vitality into the cultural and tourism industries.

As one of the newly introduced majors, International Cruise Management is closely aligned with the recovery of the cruise industry. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the number of global cruise passengers reached 31.5 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to 39.5 million by 2027. In line with the global recovery, China's cruise economy also saw a significant upturn in 2023.

Professor Ye Xinliang from Shanghai University of Engineering Science, an expert in cruise industry research, noted that China's cruise tourism market experienced rapid growth in 2023. Within just three months of full resumption, China recorded 180,000 cruise passengers and over 100 cruise ship port calls.

Amid this rapidly expanding market, the launch of the new major comes at a timely moment. Graduates will be well-equipped for roles in cruise operations, port management, and duty-free retail. This will help boost the international competitiveness of China's cruise industry and drive economic growth in coastal tourism hubs.

The introduction of the Aviation Sports major is in response to the rapidly developing low-altitude economy and aviation tourism. In places like Anyang, Henan Province, investment in aviation sports resources has already paved the way for high-quality tourism routes.

Graduates of this program will support the development of aviation sightseeing, flight experiences and educational tourism programs, promoting the broader public access and scaling-up of aviation tourism.

Digital Drama is one of the most forward-looking additions to the new catalog, representing a deep integration of technology and the arts. Through the use of AR, VR, and virtual engines, digital drama creates innovative cultural tourism products and immersive experiences.

Projects like China's first panoramic immersive theater theme park in Zhengzhou, Henan, have transformed traditional stage plays into highly interactive tourism attractions. The new major will train interdisciplinary talents in both technology and the arts, advancing the digitization and immersive presentation of cultural content.