The island province of Hainan has witnessed a remarkable surge in duty-free shopping during this year’s Spring Festival holiday, underscoring the robust revival of China’s domestic tourism market.
According to data released by Haikou Customs, from February 10 to 13, duty-free sales in Hainan totaled 1.217 billion yuan (approximately $169 million). The number of duty-free shoppers reached 156,000, with an average expenditure of 7,802 yuan per person.
The Spring Festival holiday, which runs from February 10 to 17 this year, is the most significant annual celebration in China. While many people return to their hometowns for family reunions, an increasing number are opting to travel during the festive period. Hainan, renowned for its warm winter climate and picturesque beaches, has emerged as one of the top destinations for domestic tourists seeking a tropical retreat.
The surge in shopping activities began two weeks prior to the Chinese New Year. Between January 26 and February 9, duty-free sales in Hainan reached 2.26 billion yuan, a staggering 4.9-fold increase compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects both the pent-up consumer demand and the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting Hainan as an international tourism and shopping hub.
Industry analysts attribute the impressive figures to several factors, including enhanced duty-free shopping policies, increased flight connections to Hainan, and effective public health measures that have boosted traveler confidence. The island’s duty-free shops offer a wide range of products, from luxury goods to everyday items, attracting both tourists and local residents.
The booming duty-free market in Hainan is expected to continue its upward trajectory, contributing significantly to the province’s economic development and supporting China’s broader goals of stimulating domestic consumption and opening up its markets.
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Duty-free purchases in Hainan surge during Spring Festival travel boom
cgtn.com
