Hainan, ‘China’s Hawaii’, rolls out events and coupons to catch domestic travel boom during Labour Day holiday

Authorities and businesses have rolled out new attractions, services and sales for the holiday

The island province, seen as an alternative to Southeast Asia, saw a 15 per cent month-on-month increase in long-haul bookings in March, an agency said

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The Qilou ancient street in Haikou, in China’s southern Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 2:00pm, 30 Apr 2023

The government and businesses in Hainan launched events, promotions and optimised products and services to capitalise on a boom in domestic travel and consumption during mainland China’s Labour Day holiday, as long-haul travel bookings to the tropical island grew 15 times month on month.

The Hainan government stepped up with new attractions for the influx of tourists to the island. Haikou, the capital of China’s southernmost province, is set to start a range of cultural events during the holiday spanning from April 29 to May 9, including an architecture art festival, operas and concerts.

Businesses also geared up to welcome consumers, they told the Post. Sanya Duty Free Shopping Complex launched lucky draws for individuals who spend more than 15,100 yuan (US$2,182) and also increased transport services within the compound and to certain surrounding areas, said parent company China Duty Free Group. The complex became the largest single duty-free shop globally in terms of sales value in the first quarter.

Fosun Group’s Atlantis Sanya luxury resort has upgraded its food and catering offerings, as early bookings occupied 90 per cent of the rooms even before the start of the holiday season.