(Yicai) Oct. 16 -- Tourism consumption in Sanya, a popular travel destination in southern China’s Hainan province, soared in the first half of the year because the city has been offering free entrance to major scenic spots since July last year.

Consumption revenue related to Sanya’s three major scenic spots jumped 129 percent in the first half from a year earlier and 77 percent from the same period in 2019, according to data from the Sanya Tourism Board. 

The provincial government of Hainan and the municipal government of Sanya have issued a total of 139 policies in the past five years to promote the development of the night economy, including consumer guidance, scenic spot building, infrastructure improvement, and financial subsidies, Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, told Yicai.

Tourists usually choose to go to the scenic spots in the evening and at night, given the high temperatures in Sanya, local tourism board official Wang Qi told Yicai, adding that this can also boost catering consumption and shopping at night.

As the entrance to Sanya Haichang Fantasy Town is free, there are always many visitors, the person in charge of the amusement park told Yicai. “Tourists come in for free but often consume food and beverages and purchase other recreation options,” he added.

Editor: Shi Yi, Futura Costaglione