Hainan Island-Wide Special Customs Operations Drives a Surge in the Tourism Demand, Hotel Bookings, Air Travel and International Tourism

Published on December 27, 2025

Hainan Province, located in south China, has experienced an incredible growth in tourist and consumer traffic since the start of its islandwide special customs services on December 18, 2025. Hotel bookings in this province showed an increase of over 20% in the first week since the launch of this service, which marked the highest growth in China. It is even worth noting that bookings in upscale hotels showed a significantly higher growth of over 30%.

This is part of a larger tourism explosion that has been taking place in the region of Hainan itself, with both domestic visitors and foreign tourists contributing to the numbers. These special customs procedures that provide zero tariff policies, easier access for foreign commodities, among others, have assisted in making the destination even more appealing to consumers as well as tourists.

Travel and Tourism Impact: Rising Bookings and Strong Demand

Air travel data further underscores the momentum in Hainan’s tourism recovery. Domestic flight bookings to key Hainan cities like Sanya and Haikou have seen a 10% increase compared to the same period last month. This trend is indicative of growing domestic demand, with strong booking patterns emerging from the eastern regions of China, alongside faster growth from the western regions. These figures demonstrate a broader pattern of national interest in visiting Hainan, with the free trade port becoming a more accessible and appealing destination.

International bookings to Haikou, the capital of Hainan, have also surged. According to Qunar, a leading travel platform, international flight bookings to Haikou rose by over 40% in recent weeks. Additionally, bookings for the 2026 Spring Festival holidays have more than doubled compared to the previous year, with Russia, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand among the major source markets. This surge in international tourism signals Hainan’s growing status as a prime destination not only for Chinese nationals but for global travelers.

Hainan’s Strategic Tourism and Consumption Growth

The island-wide special customs operations have positioned Hainan as a key player in China’s broader strategy to promote tourism growth and economic integration. These operations include substantial policy shifts, such as the expansion of zero-tariff coverage, which has led to a significant increase in consumption. From December 18 to December 25, imports of duty-free goods benefiting from zero tariffs exceeded 400 million yuan ($57 million), while cross-border value-added processing products and premium services also experienced an uptick in sales.

Wang Peng, an associate researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, noted that the integration of tourism with related industries has fundamentally reshaped Hainan’s consumption structure. The “shopping plus tourism” model, which merges retail with the tourism experience, has proven particularly effective in extending visitor stays and increasing per capita spending. In this new model, travelers are not just purchasing traditional duty-free goods; they are also investing in premium services, culture-tourism experiences, and cross-border products that offer added value.

The Future of Hainan’s Tourism Growth

Looking ahead, Hainan’s tourism growth is expected to continue its upward trajectory, fueled by the continued success of the special customs operations and increased international interest in the island. The “One Island, One Free Trade Port” strategy aligns perfectly with global tourism trends, including green tourism, personalized travel, and wellness tourism, all of which are areas Hainan is increasingly targeting.

As the world’s largest free trade port by area, Hainan’s policy environment is creating new opportunities for tourists, businesses, and investors alike. With its focus on sustainable tourism and the promotion of local culture, the island is well-positioned to continue attracting both domestic and international visitors who are looking for authentic, eco-friendly experiences. The region’s continued emphasis on tourism integration and cultural preservation will likely play a key role in its success as a leading tourism destination in Asia.

Future Tourism Growth Impact: Economic and Social Benefits

The long-term tourism impact of Hainan’s growing appeal extends far beyond immediate travel spikes. The increased tourism flows will drive sustained economic growth, especially in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, local businesses, and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into its tourism model, Hainan is ensuring that its growth will be both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible.

Moreover, as tourism continues to expand, the region is likely to see an increase in investment in tourism infrastructure, eco-tourism projects, and community-driven initiatives. This growth will also help foster local job creation and business opportunities, ensuring that the economic benefits are widely distributed across the population, particularly in rural areas and smaller communities that are less reliant on traditional industries.

The Future of Hainan’s Global Tourism Reputation

Hainan’s success in boosting domestic and international tourism is likely to have lasting effects on its global tourism reputation. As the island continues to grow as a destination for both luxury travelers and eco-conscious tourists, it will increasingly position itself as a top choice for global travelers looking for a combination of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and sustainable tourism.

The future tourism impact of Hainan will not only be seen in the increase of visitor numbers but also in the long-term benefits to the local economy, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. By continuing to innovate in tourism and aligning its development with global trends, Hainan has the potential to become one of Asia’s leading tourism destinations, ensuring sustained growth for years to come.

Hainan’s Bright Future in Global Tourism

The initiation of special customs operations on aprovince-wide level in Hainan is a revolutionary move for the region and places it on the global map as a foremost destination for tourism and consumption. The rise in tourist influx, especially internationally, is a testament to the attractiveness of Hainan as a destination for tourism.

Moving into the future, the future of Hainan’s tourism development will be fueled by sustainable development, green tourism, and the element of cultural experiences for its guests. Hainan will ensure its tourism sector develops in a sustainable manner, providing long-term benefits for both its citizens and international guests by focusing on sustainable development.