Flow of foreigners arriving in Hainan increases by third over six months

Lead

The southern Chinese province of Hainan recorded a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals during the first half of the year, with the flow rising by approximately one third compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by the Hainan Daily newspaper, as cited by TASS. The growth was accompanied by an expansion of international air routes and a boost in maritime transport activity, as authorities push to develop the region's free trade port.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, covered two separate but related developments in Hainan. One report, published on July 27, focused on the province's aviation and transport ambitions, citing the Hainan Daily. A second report, dated August 6, highlighted the tourism influx and the factors driving it, also referencing the Hainan Daily. Both reports painted a positive picture of Hainan's progress, with a neutral tone and an emphasis on official data and statements.

Key Claims

According to the reports, the Phoenix International Airport in Sanya saw a 33% increase in passengers arriving from abroad during January–June, reaching 630,000 people. The Meilan Airport in Haikou, the province's administrative centre, experienced similar growth of over 29%, with approximately 875,000 passengers. Together, these figures contributed to an overall rise of about one third in foreign tourist arrivals.

The increase was partly attributed to new visa-free rules, including those with Russia, which officials said stimulated inbound travel. Tourist flows from several Western European countries—namely the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland—grew by approximately 80%. The main contingents of foreign vacationers were reportedly citizens of Russia and other Russian-speaking countries, along with visitors from Southeast Asia. The reports noted a steady increase in flights on eight key international routes, including the Sanya–Moscow service.

The authorities said Hainan occupies a leading position among Chinese regions in terms of cross-border passenger traffic growth rates. They also pointed to an optimization of the international route distribution system, which they said encouraged tourism cooperation.

On the aviation front, Hainan opened 14 new international passenger and cargo routes in the first half of the year, bringing the total to 90 as of late June, or 89 according to one report. The island now connects to 50 cities in 28 countries, as well as Hong Kong and Macao. Notable additions included the Haikou–Madrid passenger flight and the Haikou–Singapore cargo route. A milestone was reached with the first international passenger flight under the seventh freedom of the air model, operating between Sanya and Prague twice a week.

Authorities plan to exceed 100 international routes by the end of the year, continuing the development of the free trade port's aviation hub. In terms of overall traffic, more than 27 million people passed through Hainan's airports in the first half of the year, with 1.48 million passengers served on international routes, a 32.4% increase year-on-year.

The maritime sector also expanded, with three new foreign trade container lines opened in the first half of the year, bringing the total to 77. Two more routes are planned by year-end, mainly to Southeast Asian countries. Authorities also aim to increase the number of vessels registered in Yangpu port under China's international ship registry to more than 100 units.

Perspectives

The reports present the perspective of Hainan's provincial authorities, who view the growth as a success and attribute it to policy measures such as visa liberalization and infrastructure development. No opposing or critical viewpoints are included in the material; the coverage relies on official estimates and statements from the Hainan Daily and provincial government.