Haikou, a key hub in the Hainan Free Trade Port, is accelerating its opening-up and global engagement through a series of major international events. These include the 2025 China International Travel Mart, the 2025 Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Conference, and the upcoming International Performing Arts Capital Promotion Conference, all aimed at boosting the city’s international profile and economic development.
Global Tourism and Business Engagement
The three-day 2025 China International Travel Mart, held at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, attracted tourism authorities, airlines, and travel professionals from 101 countries and regions. Haikou showcased its dynamic tourism ecosystem, market vitality, and business-friendly environment, leaving a strong impression on global buyers and visitors through innovative displays and immersive experiences.
Leveraging the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Haikou continues to provide a competitive operating environment and tangible incentives for enterprises. The city is advancing toward its goal of becoming a world-class tourism destination by developing an international tourism and consumption center. Diverse sectors, from duty-free shopping to cultural and sports events, are converging to enrich the tourism landscape, supported by a well-regulated and reliable market.
Strategic Development and Investment Attraction
At the 2025 Hainan Provincial Tourism Development Conference held in Haikou, the city outlined plans to build tourism growth poles within the Haikou Economic Circle and the Qiongzhou Strait Economic Belt. By leveraging its cultural heritage, convention facilities, and major sports events, Haikou is promoting integrated innovation through “Tourism+” initiatives. Through investment matchmaking, project roadshows, and business inspections, the city is attracting high-quality domestic and international capital and expanding inbound tourism via deeper global cooperation.
Performing Arts and Policy Enhancements
Riding the momentum of Free Trade Port development, Hainan currently offers visa-free entry to visitors from 86 countries, with increasingly convenient travel procedures and expanding international air routes. Enhanced duty-free policies, including a RMB 100,000 allowance and “buy-and-collect-on-the-spot” services, further improve the visitor experience, supporting tourism development.
Haikou is rapidly emerging as a global performing arts destination. Concerts by leading Chinese artists have generated significant cultural and economic impact, while performances by international superstars have elevated the city from a “performing arts destination” to a new international performing arts landmark. This shift is part of broader efforts to enhance cultural tourism and attract international engagement.
Looking ahead, Haikou will continue to leverage Free Trade Port policies to support domestic enterprises in going global and to attract more international companies to participate in the city’s cultural and tourism development, reinforcing its role in China’s economic opening-up.
