HAIKOU, 15 November. /TASS/. The total number of foreign tourists arriving in the Chinese resort city of Sanya (southern Hainan province) via the Phoenix International Airport from the beginning of the year to the end of October exceeded 504,000 people, which is almost four times more than in the whole of 2023, the Hainan International Communication Network (HICN) reported.

The airport handled more than 3000 international flights during this period. The growth of this figure is attributed to the development of transportation infrastructure and the policy of visa-free entry to the province.

Hainan has the most comprehensive visa-free entry policy in China, allowing various categories of foreign travelers to visit the island's resorts. In recent years, Hainan authorities have continuously optimized the inbound tourism regulations, including improving the operation of visa-free entry for foreigners.

As of February 9 this year, visitors from countries such as Russia, France, the United States, Brazil, Japan and the United Arab Emirates can enter Hainan visa-free for purposes other than tourism. The immigration authorities now allow residents from these countries to enter the province without a visa for family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, sports events and business purposes. Previously, Hainan had a visa-free policy for overseas tourist groups from 59 countries.

Since the beginning of this year, more than 160,000 foreign travelers have visited the beach resort city of Sanya without a visa. At the same time, visa-free entry accounts for about 64% of the total flow of foreign tourists to the city. Visitors from Russia, Kazakhstan and South Korea are the most common to come to Sanya for the purpose of tourism.