Hainan Takes Center Stage at the China International Travel Mart in Haikou, Paving the Way for Tourism Innovation and Global Travel – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 22, 2025

The China International Travel Mart (CITM) has concluded in Haikou, the vibrant capital of Hainan province, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of tourism. This prestigious event, held for the first time on the tropical island of Hainan, highlighted a bold new direction for the industry, integrating technology, culture, and sports to enhance the travel experience. The fair, which took place just days after the Hainan Free Trade Port launched its special customs operations, presented an innovative glimpse into the future of travel. Over 1,000 business representatives from more than 100 countries attended, making it the largest tourism exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tourism Innovations on Display at the Largest Travel Fair in Asia-Pacific

The CITM in Haikou attracted global attention, especially with its vast exhibition space covering over 65,000 square meters. The fair was divided into five main sections, including domestic tourism, overseas tourism, cultural-tourism integration, and a special section dedicated to the burgeoning tourism opportunities in Hainan itself. Each section showcased innovative approaches to tourism, leveraging cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality glasses, humanoid robots, and submersibles for sightseeing. The event demonstrated how technology is reshaping the way people explore and experience destinations.

In particular, the Jiaozi manned sightseeing submersible, which is one of China’s first mass-produced civilian submersibles, was a showstopper. Visitors could learn about the submersible’s unique design and its ability to offer undersea tours to tourists looking for an unconventional adventure. Hainan’s unique position as a Free Trade Port provided exhibitors with a special opportunity to display products and services tailored to the Chinese market, attracting potential visitors to explore innovative tourism concepts.

Hainan Free Trade Port: A Game-Changer for the Tourism Industry

The timing of the CITM was particularly significant, as it marked the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port. This new development is poised to play a pivotal role in attracting more tourists and investment into the region. With the special customs operations officially starting just days before the event, Hainan is set to become an increasingly important destination for international tourism.

The Free Trade Port offers unparalleled benefits for international businesses, making it an attractive hub for tourism-related companies looking to expand their footprint in China. Travelers will also benefit from easier access to Hainan’s tourism offerings, such as luxury resorts, beaches, and cultural experiences, as well as low taxes and customs exemptions.

Embracing Cultural Tourism: A Path to a Richer Travel Experience

One of the core themes of the China International Travel Mart was the integration of culture and tourism, which is a growing trend across the globe. In addition to the tech-driven attractions, several regions from China, including Xinjiang, showcased how local culture can be integrated into tourism experiences. For instance, Shawan County in Xinjiang has created a unique tourism draw with its Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken), a dish so beloved that it has become a reason for tourists to visit. This is just one example of how culinary tourism is blending with cultural exploration to enhance visitors’ experiences.

Countries like Slovakia also used the exhibition to showcase their folk customs, history, and cultural offerings, aiming to tap into the vast Chinese travel market. Hainan’s role as a Free Trade Port allows such interactions between global cultures and local Chinese tourism providers, further promoting cross-cultural exchanges and travel inspirations.

What Should Travelers Know About the Hainan Travel Boom?

For travelers interested in visiting Hainan, the province has become a must-see destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. With its unique combination of tropical beauty, cultural richness, and now the added benefits of the Hainan Free Trade Port, this region offers an exceptional travel experience. Here are a few tips for tourists planning a visit:

1. Visit the Beaches and Resorts: Hainan is home to some of China’s most pristine beaches. Sanya and Haikou are the most popular tourist cities on the island, with luxury resorts offering stunning views of the South China Sea.
2. Explore Cultural Attractions: For a deeper cultural experience, explore Haikou’s historic sites, such as the Qilou Old Street and the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park.
3. Tech-Savvy Tourism: Be prepared to immerse yourself in a tech-driven tourism experience, from virtual reality tours to underwater exploration in the Jiaozi submersible.
4. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on local dishes such as the famous Dapanji from Xinjiang, which brings visitors to places like Shawan County for a unique culinary experience.

The Future of Tourism: Technology and Culture at the Forefront

The China International Travel Mart in Haikou proved to be an exciting glimpse into the future of tourism in China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. As technology continues to evolve, tourism experiences will become more immersive, and cultural exchange will play an even larger role in driving global travel. The event demonstrated that Hainan is poised to be a central hub for tourism, not only in China but globally, with its advanced technology-driven attractions and strategic location in the new Free Trade Port.

Looking forward, tourism in China will continue to blend technology with tradition, offering travelers unforgettable experiences that are not just about sightseeing but about immersive, interactive journeys into the heart of culture and innovation.