Hainan's International Aviation Network adds New Route Between Sanya and London as its Tourism Market Booms
SANYA,China,July 13,2018 -- China's Hainan province announced the launch of its first intercontinental route between Sanya and London after China unveiledits plantobuildHainanislandintoits pilot international free-tradezone. The maiden voyagecarried 214 passengers on a non-stop flight from Sanya'sPhoenix International Airporton July 12th 13:00 pm CST.That the flight was filled to 99% capacity,showing Hainan's years of effort in promoting its abundant tourism resources in England have now taken effect. This new flight route not onlylinksHainan and Europe,but alsoaddsa UK stoptoHainan's international flights. The launching ceremony for the maiden voyage was held by the provincial government of Hainan and China Southern Airlines Company Limited.
Booming Tourism Market Facilitates Development of the Aviation Industry andRegular Direct Flights go Online
China Southern Airlines' CZ651 departs Sanya at 13:00CSTevery Thursday and Sunday,and arrives in London at 18:45BST. For the return journey,CZ652 departs London at 22:10BSTand arrives in Sanya at 16:20CSTthe next day. The total flighttimeis about 12 hours and 45 minutes.
The British Consulate General GuangzhouActing Consul GeneralAndrew Ouldsaid,"Hainan is facilitating the construction of China's free-trade zone. I believe that the launch of the direct flight between Sanya and London will help attract more visitors from the UK to spend their holidays in Sanya and UK-based companies to invest and establish facilities in the city."Mr. Ould also sharedseveral favorable policies concerning UK tourists applying for visas.
A Dong,Mayor of Sanya,said that sinceEurope has become a popular destination among Chinese tourists,Sanya's tourism serviceproviders have alsoincreased theirfocus on the European market,especially London. The route between Sanya and London isa step towards implementing Hainan's strategyto allow travelers from 59 countries to enjoy visa-free access to Sanya and will help Sanya deepen communication,trade,and cultural and tourismexchanges with the UK and Europe andcontributesto Hainan's status as an international free-tradezone.
Sanya has witnessed incredible growth in itstourism industry. A year-on-year growthin inbound tours have encouraged airlines to accelerateinternational expansion. Sanya recorded approximately 450,000visitors in 2016 and that figure increased to 700,000 in 2017. As of July 12,2018,Sanya has launched 34 international routes serving 25 destinationssuch as theUK,Russia,South Korea,and Japan.
Sanya Customizes Tourism Packages for UK Tourists to Improve International Competitiveness
Since May,the Sanya Tourism Development Commission has taken advantage of favorable policies,such asvisa-freeaccesstoHainan for touristsfrom59countries and the direct flight between Sanya and London,to host a variety of promotional campaigns targeting UK tourism service providers. Sanya warmly welcomestravelersto enjoy the tropical sights and beaches as well as the strong portfolio ofofferings specifically designed for British tourists,including activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family.The Sanya Tourism Development Commission has also enhanced efforts in promoting the new flight services using both online and offline campaigns in a move to improve awareness and popularity of Sanyaamong tourists from London.
During the peak summerseason,the new route is mainly targeting tourists,students interested in study tours or studying abroad,and business travelers.
Hainan province has recorded an increasingnumber of tourists from UKeach year and began prioritizing European tourists last year. The launch of the Sanya-London routewill surely help increase visitors to Hainan and provide convenient travelfor British citizens seeking to enjoy the unique features of Sanya such as tropical rainforests,sunshine,beaches,andthe richculture of the local Li and Miao as well as the province of Hainan.
