Sanya sees tourism boom during May Day holiday with 887,500 visitors

During the May Day holiday, Sanya welcomed 887,500 tourists, a 15.88 percent year-on-year increase, generating 2.09 billion yuan ($289 million) in tourism revenue, up 8.28 percent from the same period last year.

The city's warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere left visitors with many unforgettable memories. A heartwarming gesture set the tone before the holiday: Fu Qingping, a Sanya sanitation worker, trimmed coconut trees on Wanyue Road, collected fallen coconuts, and offered fresh coconut water to passing tourists. The video of her kindness inspired the city's "Coconut Treats Campaign".

Throughout the holiday, Sanya distributed over 50,000 free coconuts at key locations, including the airport, railway station, Sanya Bay, and Dadonghai. Dadonghai Square hosted a Coconut Carnival, during which visitors enjoyed coconut-themed activities and fresh coconut water. Two mobile vans delivered surprise giveaways at major attractions, while 100+ tourism businesses joined the initiative, offering complimentary coconuts to guests.

Additional perks included free coconut water for passengers on the Sanle Tourist Railway and Ctrip's "Sweet Coconut Fleet"—100 specially decorated taxis providing free rides. The campaign, blending local culture with hospitality, enhanced Sanya's appeal as a top tropical destination.

Tourists from South Korea receive free coconuts. [Photo/Sanya Daily]