China's tourism market reshaped by Hainan's customs shift

China launched island-wide special customs operations on Dec 18 in the Hainan Free Trade Port, the world's largest FTP by area, as global tourism leaders gathered on the island — a move that industry insiders believe could reshape tourism cooperation, investment and visitor flows in the coming years.

Policy Shift in Hainan
- On December 18, 2025, China launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the largest FTP in the world by area.
- This coincided with the China International Travel Mart 2025 in Haikou, which drew 1,000+ business operators from 101 countries and regions — a record level of participation.

Entry & Travel Benefits
- Visa-free access now available for travelers from 86 countries.
- Expanded visa-waiver arrangements for cruise passengers and tour groups.
- Simplified customs processes eliminate the need for tax refunds, making shopping and travel smoother.

Early Impact
- Inbound travel surge: International flight bookings to Haikou for Christmas through Spring Festival 2026 rose 40% year-on-year.
- Tourists report seamless experiences with international payment options and duty-free shopping.
- Example: A Russian visitor described shopping in Sanya’s duty-free city as “as smooth as clearing customs.”

Global Cooperation
- Thailand (guest of honor at the travel mart) emphasized “two-way tourism,” highlighting balanced tourist flows and shared destination marketing.
- European operators (e.g., Slovakia’s Vislocky Travel) see easier engagement with the Chinese market thanks to the customs shift.

Takeaway
Hainan’s customs reform is positioning the island as a hub for international tourism cooperation, boosting investment, visitor flows, and joint ventures. It’s a strategic move to make Hainan not just a Chinese destination, but a global tourism platform.