Sanya’s duty-free sector has experienced an extraordinary surge in consumer activity, recording four consecutive days of sales exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.2 million) following the implementation of Hainan’s island-wide special customs operations. According to the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Sunday’s sales alone reached 102 million yuan, representing a remarkable 37.3 percent year-on-year increase that began on December 18.
The newly implemented trade policies have transformed Hainan into an increasingly attractive winter destination and shopping paradise, particularly as the New Year and Spring Festival holidays approach. Industry analysts confirm that these regulatory changes have fundamentally enhanced the region’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
Travel data from online platform Qunar reveals substantial growth in tourism demand, with flight bookings to Sanya for the upcoming January 1-3 New Year holiday period increasing by 51 percent year-on-year. Haikou, another major Hainan destination, experienced a 19 percent rise in flight reservations during the same period.
International interest has shown particularly dramatic growth, with flight bookings to Haikou for the New Year period surging over 40 percent. Spring Festival bookings more than doubled, demonstrating overwhelming international demand. Travelers from Russia, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand are leading this remarkable influx, signaling Hainan’s growing status as a global shopping and tourism destination.