Chinese cruise operators are scrambling to avoid Japanese ports as Beijing and Tokyo engage in a diplomatic dispute, which is expected to spur demand for tourism in South Korea, according to sources and cruise schedules reviewed by Reuters.

Tour and port agents said tensions, sparked by recent remarks from Japan’s new prime minister, could cause Chinese tourists to be redirected to South Korea from Japan .

Adora Magic City, a Chinese cruise ship, has altered its December schedule to skip Japanese ports (Fukuoka, Sasebo, Nagasaki). Instead, it will extend its Jeju stop in South Korea to 31–57 hours, far longer than the usual nine.

The operator of the “Dream” cruise ship, which departs from the Chinese city of Tianjin, wanted to avoid Japan and reroute to a South Korean port in Incheon

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