HAIKOU /China/, October 19. /TASS/. The administrative center of the southern Chinese province of Hainan - Haikou - actively promotes the development of night economy. This was reported by the Hainan International Communication Network (HICN).

According to the article, the night-time economy of the southern city has been actively developing in the last years and is taking on new forms: today these are night markets, attractions with beautiful lighting and open-air cinemas, and many other ways to spend an evening. According to the publication, at present there are about 15 medium and large night markets in Haikou, where people get together to spend time with friends, taste fresh seafood and listen to live music.

The publication points out that night markets occupy a significant proportion of the total night-time economy of the city. According to statistics, the total turnover of night markets in Haikou City in 2019 was about 500 million yuan (about $70.42 million). It is also emphasized that this niche is an integral part of Hainan's tourism industry and attracts many consumers.

According to Wang Jiansheng, chairman of Hainan Tourism Development Research Association, cited by the portal, the night-time economy is a new market, and Hainan has several advantages for its development. Firstly, it is a favorable climate of the tropical province - Hainan is warm all year round. Secondly, nightlife in Hainan, as a multicultural island, has a long history. Thirdly, Hainan is a popular tourist destination which is in high demand, and fourthly, the well-developed tourism and infrastructure in the cities of the province.

Wang Jiansheng also noted that the development of Haikou's night-time economy is important in terms of building a free trade port in Hainan and turning the island into an international tourism and consumption center. In his opinion, it will have a positive impact on strengthening the island's tourism brand and on the development of the province's economy. The expert also stressed that the relevant agencies should support this direction and take necessary measures.

The authorities have set a goal to turn Hainan into an international center of tourism and consumption by 2025. The Chinese island is often referred to as the "Oriental Hawaii" – local nature, tropical forests, a developed network of hotels combined with the beaches and the coastline length of more than 1.9 thousand kilometers attract visitors from the farthest corners of the world. In 2021 about 81 million tourists visited the island, which is 25.5% more than the year before.