Sanya, China’s southernmost tropical resort city, is positioning itself as the top entry point for Thai tourists visiting the country, according to tourism officials and industry analysts. The Hainan Island destination has seen a 40% increase in Thai visitors in Q1 2026 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The strategic push comes as China implements its 15-day visa-free policy for Thai nationals, part of broader efforts to revive international tourism. “Sanya offers direct flights from Bangkok and cultural familiarity with Buddhist temples and tropical cuisine,” noted a Thailand Tourism Authority representative speaking anonymously about the bilateral initiative.
Chinese state media reports highlight new Mandarin-Thai bilingual services at Sanya Phoenix Airport and partnerships with Thai influencers. However, some travel industry experts caution that infrastructure may struggle with peak season demand. “The current airport can handle 25 million passengers annually, but expansion won’t be complete until 2027,” said a regional aviation analyst.
If successful, the Sanya model could extend to other ASEAN markets, with similar visa facilitation expected for Malaysian and Indonesian travelers later this year.