Ports look to cruise ship fillip

But experts caution new business model needed to reap profits from growing offshore tourist sector

Southern China's ports are striving to develop a cruise industry, as a new driver to expand their economies, but experts say it is paramount for them to explore a new business model in their hunt to make profits.

Prince Bay Cruise Homeport in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, officially started operations on Nov 12, marking a milestone in the takeoff of the city's cruise industry.