Hainan's Ocean Economy Surges: Media Delegation Sees Marine Tourism Boom and Eco-Innovations

In August 2026, a delegation of journalists from nine major overseas media outlets, representing countries including the United States, France, Türkiye, Spain, and the Republic of Korea, embarked on an in-depth tour of China's Hainan Province. Their mission was to explore the region's marine cultural tourism, ecological conservation efforts, and innovative consumer models, and to witness firsthand the renewed dynamism of Hainan's "ocean economy." The visit spanned multiple cities including Haikou, Wanning, Lingshui, and Sanya, offering a comprehensive look at the island's development.

As the first full year following the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), 2026 has been designated the "Marine Tourism Year," with a strategic focus on ocean-themed cultural travel. Leveraging policy dividends such as visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries, expanded traffic rights, and offshore duty-free shopping, Hainan has significantly enhanced its global openness, fueling a surge in cultural tourism demand. In the first half of this year alone, the island recorded over 1 million inbound visits, a year-on-year increase of 48.8%, underscoring the robust growth momentum of the FTP's tourism sector.

The delegation experienced firsthand the rapid expansion of Hainan's coastal sports industry at Wanning's Riyue Bay, a world-class surfing destination that receives over 500,000 visits annually. A highlight was the nation's first Olympic-standard artificial surf pool, which uses advanced wave-making technology to simulate 23 different wave types, enabling year-round surfing. Mr. Guney Isik Ganimgil from Turkey's Aydınlık newspaper remarked that Hainan's cultural tourism development has far exceeded expectations and holds tremendous investment potential.

Eco-empowered tourism and protection of blue bays are hallmarks of Hainan's development. The Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort enforces a strict policy against capturing wild marine life, and its rescue center has rehabilitated and released over 200 rare creatures, including sea turtles and hawksbills. Wuzhizhou Island has pioneered an eco-tourism model, partnering with universities to develop a tropical marine ranch, offering visitors the opportunity to participate in coral transplantation, fostering a virtuous cycle between conservation and tourism.

Cultural integration is also revitalizing Hainan's maritime heritage. The Danjia fishing rafts continue to enrich their authentic marine-ethnic offerings, while Tianya Town has evolved into a coastal leisure landmark with nearly a hundred boutique homestays and specialty cafés. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex houses over 1,000 international brands and introduces "duty-free + technology" consumption scenarios. The Sanya Yacht Tourism Center recorded over 220,000 yacht outings in 2025, cementing its status as a premier destination for high-end coastal tourism.

After four days of exploration, the delegation witnessed a Hainan that is open, green, and dynamic, transcending traditional seaside tourism. With policy as its backbone, ecology as its canvas, and culture as its soul, Hainan is presenting a compelling new vision of high-quality development to the world.