Grand events boost sports tourism industry in Sanya

On Nov 22, the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities will kick off in Sanya. Leveraging the event, Sanya aims to enhance its urban infrastructure and city image, accelerating its efforts to become a national sports tourism demonstration zone.

Sanya seized opportunities like the 6th Asian Beach Games and the 7th Hainan Province Traditional Ethnic Minority Sports Games to develop the Sanya International Sports Industrial Park. The striking Egret Sports Stadium, resembling a bird in flight, spans 86,000 square meters and can accommodate 45,000 spectators. The opening and closing ceremonies of the ethnic games, along with some competitions, will take place here.

"A top-notch sports venue is fundamental to the hosting of successful events and creating more space for the development of Sanya's sports industry," said Huang Chuiqin, head of the games' competition command center.

As the only city in China where one can experience tropical rainforests while looking at the ocean, Sanya's connection with sporting events runs deep. Emphasizing tropical coastal leisure sports tourism, Sanya has hosted events like the Tour of Hainan International Road Cycling Race, Round Hainan International Regatta, Hainan Golf Open, World Boxing League, China Tennis Tour, and more.

Sports tourism currently accounts for one-third of total tourism revenue in Sanya, becoming a new engine for urban economic growth.

In addition to natural advantages, policy support is crucial for the development of Sanya's sports tourism. Sanya recently issued regulations and mechanisms to streamline the approval process for large-scale events, ensuring smooth execution from a legal, structural, and financial standpoint. It also introduced detailed rules for rewarding impactful sports events, offering substantial incentives to organizers.

"In the future, Sanya will strengthen cooperation with sports organizations around the world and commit to bringing more trendy sports to Sanya and creating a comprehensive tourism destination that integrates sports, leisure, and vacation," said Huang Xing, director of the Sanya municipal bureau of tourism, culture, radio, television, and sports.

The Sanya International Sports Industrial Park at night. [Photo/Sanya Daily]