China’s top island resort destination Sanya is on track to welcome a record breaking 18 million visitors by the end of the year.
The Hainan Island resort city saw 620,000 inbound visitors in November which equates to a huge 70% year-on-year increase
The number of international flights to Sanya is up 64% this year which has helped to more than double tourism spend.
"The world is discovering Sanya. With the government’s new open policy, more international travellers can come to Sanya and explore the wonders of our tropical island," said Fan Mu, director of the Sanya Tourism Development Commission.
Once a predominantly domestic tourism hotspot, a relaxed visa policy has had a dramatic effect.
Travellers from 26 countries can now get a 15-day visa upon arrival in Sanya.
Citizens of countries including Singapore and Japan can also enter visa-free.
