June 1 marks the fifth anniversary of the Overall Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). Sanya has advanced high-quality development as a key gateway for the initiative, transforming from a tourism-reliant city into a diversified hub integrating tourism, technology, and modern industries.
Sanya has established itself as a core zone for international tourism consumption by capitalizing on FTP policies like zero tariffs and streamlined tax regulations. The city's duty-free sector, which accounts for over 60 percent of the province's sales, features four major duty-free malls that attract global visitors. Sanya Phoenix International Airport has enhanced its international connectivity by operating 32 routes to 24 cities as of 2023, accommodating 1.11 million inbound and outbound passengers.
Over 2,800 agri-tech firms in Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City have generated over 10 billion yuan ($1.39 billion) in revenue. The deep-sea innovation sector has thrived, with 1,206 marine-related enterprises clustered in the city.
From an economic perspective, Sanya's GDP surpassed 100 billion yuan in 2024, with growth driven by conventions, yacht expos, and a booming convention and exhibition industry that generates 9 billion yuan annually. Reforms like streamlined approvals and a "one-code-per-business" regulatory system have improved its business environment, positioning Sanya among the top nationally for credit innovation.
As Hainan's FTP prepares for independent customs operations in 2025, Sanya has completed seven related projects and continues to expand its airport facilities. The city also plans to introduce seventh-freedom flights, reinforcing its role as an aviation hub for the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
With a vision to become a world-class tropical coastal city, Sanya continues to pioneer reforms, blending tourism, tech, and openness to fuel Hainan's rise as a global free trade leader.
