New customs ops boost Hainan

Free trade port enjoying tourism, shopping surge spurred by duty-free sales

The island-wide special customs operations in Hainan province have ignited a tourism and spending surge, which is transforming the free trade port into a new global consumption landmark.

For example, duty-free sales in Sanya exceeded 100 million yuan ($14.2 million) for five consecutive days, said the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Commerce. Specifically, duty-free sales in the city hit 102 million yuan on Monday, following a strong streak that began on Dec 18.