Sanya captivates overseas tourists with enhanced connectivity, diverse offerings

Foreign tourists watch performances in the Sanya Qianguqing Scenic Area. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Sanya is increasingly winning the hearts of international visitors with its convenient air access and diverse tourism offerings.

The recent Chinese Debate World Cup, which drew talented youths from over 15 countries including Egypt, Italy, the United States, and Australia, highlighted the city's increasing appeal as an international destination. According to the event's founder, Gao Yuan, Sanya's international accessibility and amenities were crucial to the competition's success.

A major driver is the ongoing expansion of international flight routes. Sanya Phoenix International Airport now operates 35 international and regional routes, connecting 26 overseas airports. This year, new routes have been added, including direct flights to cities in Russia, Vietnam, and South Korea. Notably, the fifth-freedom flight ''Frankfurt–Bangkok–Sanya'' has strengthened Sanya's presence in the European market. Additional routes to Minsk and Kuala Lumpur are scheduled for October.

The data shows that from January to July 2025, Sanya welcomed 558,500 overnight visitors from abroad, marking a 47.65 increase compared to the previous year. International tourism revenue also grew significantly, rising 76.69 percent to $468.93 million. Russia, Kazakhstan, and South Korea are among the leading source markets.

To enrich the visitor experience, Sanya provides customized tourism offerings like health and wellness retreats for European guests, golf packages for visitors from Japan and South Korea, and cultural tours for Southeast Asian travelers. Two local restaurants received Black Pearl Diamond awards, boosting Sanya's status as a culinary destination.

Additionally, Sanya airport offers multilingual services and smart translation devices, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for international travelers. With better air connections and a variety of attractions, Sanya is strengthening its reputation as a top global travel destination.