According to the director of Tourism Promotion Bureau of China’s resort city of Sanya, located in Hainan Province, it is making concerted efforts to enhance the tourism sector by promoting the city as golf destination.
Ye Jialin expressed his optimism that Hainan’s visa-free entry policy, in conjunction with golf allure, would contribute to the growth of the local tourism market, particularly given that Sanya possesses sufficient infrastructure to support this initiative.
Golf is an elite sport that merges elements of competition with leisure. It has the potential to enhance the development of various tourist destinations, encompassing cultural aspects, the restaurant and hospitality sectors, as well as retail opportunities, the official added.
Sanya stands as the number one resort city in China, with a population exceeding 1 million residents. In 2023, the city’s gross product amounted to 97.13 billion yuan (approximately $13.66 billion), reflecting a growth of 12%. The average annual temperature in Sanya is recorded at 25.4 degrees Celsius, and it boasts a coastline that extends over 260 kilometers. The adjacent waters feature 19 bays and nearly 40 islands that are ideal for tourism, enabling the local government to effectively promote yachting and beach tourism.
Earlier this month, for the first time ever, Sanya welcomed the Asian Golf Federation competition with approximately 100 individuals taking part in the event, representing countries such as Cambodia, China, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The amicable tournaments were organized with the assistance of proficient agencies and companies. Events of this nature, coupled with lodging in esteemed hotels, a comprehensive network of duty-free shops, and a unique cultural experience, are anticipated to draw numerous participants to Hainan.
Sanya’s uniquely crafted local courses adhere to international standards, while the integration of the nearby mountainous terrain and the sea contributes to a “genuinely invigorating experience,” according to the golfers, who have taken part in the competition.
Hainan’s golf season extends from April to November and Sanya’s tourism officials hope that the revival of passenger flights will attract a greater number of foreign enthusiasts of this sport to the area.
