Sanya's tourism spending grows steadily

Domestic and international tourists visit the Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex during this year's National Day holiday. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Since the start of the year, Sanya's tourism spending has been robust, with luxury goods continuing to sell well. Recent data shows that in the first three quarters, retail sales of gold and silver jewelry, cosmetics and communication devices in Sanya increased by 26.6 percent, 11.8 percent, and 166 percent, respectively. As Double Eleven, an online shopping festival, warms up and various government subsidies kick in, market activity has been on the rise through late October.

Communication devices have shown the most significant growth this year. The release of new smartphones, along with duty-free island benefits, vouchers and trade-in subsidies, has driven demand for upgrades.

When buying a new phone, consumers can trade in their old ones for a discount and receive a subsidy for eligible models. Buyers of phones priced under 6,000 yuan ($899.4) can get a subsidy of up to 500 yuan each.

Gold jewelry counters are bustling too, with duty-free prices notably lower. Major brands are offering discounts, drawing in many buyers.

Besides retailer promotions, government-issued vouchers have given the market a strong boost. The duty-free voucher program of the Sanya municipal people's government runs until the end of the month, offering discounts such as 2,500 yuan off purchases over 30,000 yuan and 1,650 yuan off purchases over 20,000 yuan.