Haikou Embraces Growth with Hainan Free Trade Port Opportunities

5 January 2026

HAIKOU, China:  As a key centre within the Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou is actively advancing its opening-up and global engagement through major international events, including the 2025 China International Travel Mart, the 2025 Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Conference, and the forthcoming International Performing Arts Capital Promotion Conference.

The 2025 China International Travel Mart, held at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together tourism authorities, airlines, and travel professionals from 101 countries and regions. Through innovative displays and immersive experiences, Haikou showcased its vibrant tourism ecosystem, robust market momentum, and open, business-friendly environment, leaving a positive impression on global buyers and visitors.

By leveraging the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou continues to foster a highly competitive operating environment and accelerate its development as an international centre for tourism and consumption. A diverse range of sectors — from duty-free shopping to cultural, sporting, and performing arts events — are converging to enrich the tourism landscape, supported by a well-regulated, safe, and reliable market environment.

At the 2025 Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Conference held in Haikou on 23 December, the city outlined plans to develop tourism growth hubs within the Haikou Economic Circle and the Qiongzhou Strait Economic Belt. By capitalising on its cultural heritage, exhibition venues, and major sporting events, Haikou is promoting an integrated "Tourism +" approach to innovation and attracting high-quality domestic and international investment to expand inbound tourism.

Benefiting from Free Trade Port policies, Hainan now offers visa-free entry to visitors from 86 countries, expanding international air routes and enhancing duty-free services, including a RMB 100,000 allowance and options for "buy-and-collect-on-the-spot." Against this backdrop, Haikou is rapidly emerging as a global performing arts centre. Concerts featuring renowned Chinese and international artists, including Kanye West and Katy Perry, have elevated the city’s international profile.

Looking ahead, Haikou will continue to leverage the advantages of the Free Trade Port to support domestic enterprises in expanding globally, while attracting more international companies to participate in its cultural and tourism development.