Sanya sees surging inbound tourism with diverse offerings

Sanya has witnessed remarkable growth in inbound tourism this year, with official data showing 395,900 overnight international visitors in the first five months - a 47.12 percent year-on-year increase. The tropical hotspot is attracting global travelers with its unique blend of wellness, sports, and cultural experiences.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies, such as therapeutic massages, have become a standout draw, particularly for visitors from Russia and Central Asia. Since pioneering "TCM wellness tourism" in the early 2000s, Sanya has welcomed over 100,000 international guests to its specialized clinics. "My neck pain improved after the treatment," said Jenna, a tourist from Kazakhstan.

To cater to diverse markets, Sanya has tailored its offerings: wellness retreats for Russian-speaking and Middle Eastern travelers, golf getaways for Japanese and Korean tourists, cultural immersion experiences for Southeast Asians, and weekend escapes for Hong Kong and Macao visitors. These strategies are reshaping Sanya's visitor demographics - half now come as independent travelers, with 80 percent staying over four days. Younger tourists are also driving demand.

Infrastructure upgrades and visa-free policies further boost accessibility. With 31 international routes spanning 25 destinations, Sanya connects seamlessly to Europe and Asia. Visa exemptions for 85 countries, 144-hour stays for Hong Kong and Macao-bound groups, and 240-hour transit waivers streamline entry.

During a recent trip, 450 global travel agents explored Sanya's attractions. "The luxury golf courses and resorts will appeal to high-net-worth clients," said Lisa Li, general manager of China Travel Service (N.Z.) Limited. A Nepalese agent added, "The multilingual support and diverse activities are perfect for our tourists."

Looking ahead, Sanya aims to enhance visitor convenience through smoother payments, language services, and transport. "We want guests to enjoy both our tropical charm and world-class hospitality," said Wu Xiaolin, head of Sanya's tourism bureau. As Hainan's key international tourism hub, Sanya's planning for deeper global collaborations and event-driven promotions to solidify its status as a premier destination.

On June 15, foreign tourists visit the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone in Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]