HAIKOU /China/, September 20. /TASS/. China’s premier resort city, Sanya, located on the southern coast of Hainan Island, is actively fostering the development of the domestic consumer sector through the expansion of cruise routes, Hainan Ribao newspaper reported.
The publication’s authors noted that this sector of tourism represents a premium-class segment that integrates port logistics, the cultural and entertainment industries, and retail trade. It enables the simultaneous development of several related industries. Moreover, as emphasized, cruise travel also contributes to the expansion of international humanitarian exchanges.
According to official estimates, Sanya, with the climate attracts tourists from around the globe, serves more than 30 cruise routes, including those operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Star Cruises, and Viking Cruises. More than 20 companies involved in the organization of maritime travel maintain representative offices in the city’s central business district, including China Travel Cruises, Blue Dream Cruises, and Haigong Energy.
As explained by Star Cruises President Wu Mingfa, cruise liners cater to passengers across a wide range of income levels, offering everything from budget cabins to luxury suites with butler service and round-the-clock assistance. In addition, they feature water parks, climbing walls, and even stages for theatrical performances. The onboard restaurants serve both Chinese and Western cuisine, with menus changing daily depending on the route. Signature dishes include specialties such as Hainanese chicken rice. One of the key advantages of this type of vacation is the ability to visit duty-free shops directly on board at any time and purchase luxury goods.
Wu Mingfa recalled that Hainan has introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of 59 countries. In his view, Sanya possesses the necessary market potential to develop the cruise industry. “Chinese families with middle and high incomes are increasingly seeking high-quality vacation options, and Sanya is among the most popular destinations. As a new form of travel, cruise tourism has the capacity to effectively transform and enhance this customer base,” the company president said.
Sanya is China’s leading resort city, with a population of more than 1 mln people. According to official estimates, its gross product in 2024 exceeded 100 bln yuan (around $14 bln), marking a 5% increase. The city’s average annual air temperature reaches 25.4 degrees Celsius, while its coastline extends for about 260 km. The surrounding waters include 19 bays and around 40 islands suitable for tourism – all of which enable the local administration to successfully promote yachting, cruise tourism, as well as beach and family recreation.