Sanya received a total of 620,000 inbound tourists during November, representing year-on-year growth of 70 per cent.

The tropical city at the southern end of China is expected to receive more than 18 million visitors by the end of the year, setting a record for tourism there.

In addition to the increase in tourists, the number of international flights to Sanya has increased by 64 per cent year-on-year, and foreign exchange earnings from tourism have risen by 131.09 per cent year-on-year.

According to Fan Mu, director of the Sanya Tourism Development Commission, the growth in visitors comes from investments in the region’s infrastructure and eased visa policies.

“The world is discovering Sanya,” said Fan.

“With easy access to its beautiful tropical landscape, incredible local and international cuisine and rich cultural heritage, Sanya is a paradise-in-waiting all travellers.

“With the government’s new open policy, more international travellers can come to Sanya and explore the wonders of our tropical island.”

China’s welcoming policy for Hainan means that travellers from 26 countries can obtain a 15-day visa upon arrival in Sanya, with groups from some countries able to stay even longer, and citizens of a few others able to visit the island for 15 days with no visa required at all.

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