Hainan authorities to distribute CNY200 million in duty-free shopping vouchers in Q1

CHINA. Hainan authorities have rolled out a major incentive programme to boost the offshore duty-free sector, with plans to issue over CNY200 million (US$27.4 million) in consumption vouchers in the first quarter.

The initiative was revealed by the Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce on Monday (10 February), according to Hainan Daily, part of Hinews, The Moodie Davitt Report’s strategic and information-sharing partner in Hainan.

The authorities issued vouchers in Haikou, Sanya, Wanning and Qionghai, offering tiered discounts.

These include

• spend CNY2,000 (US$274), get CNY100 (US$14) off
• spend CNY5,000 (US$684), get CNY250 (US$34) off
• spend CNY8,000 (US$1,100), get CNY400 (US$55) off
• spend CNY15,000 (US$2,052), get CNY1,000 (US$137) off
• spend CNY30,000 (US$4,100), get CNY3,000 (US$410) off

These vouchers can be used at Hainan’s 12 offshore duty-free locations and combined with in-store discounts, allowing travellers to maximise their savings.

The initiative has generated strong interest, with many travellers eagerly redeeming vouchers to enjoy duty-free shopping benefits, Hainan Daily reported.

Hainan has committed provincial fiscal funds and matching contributions from local governments to support this programme.

By 9 February, redemptions of offshore duty-free vouchers had exceeded CNY100 million (US$13.7 million), driving nearly CNY2 billion (US$273.6 million) in spending.

Key duty-free retailers across the province have introduced a range of promotional activities. Among them, China Duty Free Group’s (CDFG) six Hainan stores have launched themed activities featuring a blend of folk culture, shopping discounts and cultural tourism experiences.

Global Premium Duty Free Plaza is also offering savings of up to -70% on select items.

To make duty-free shopping more accessible, CDFG, Hainan Tourism Duty Free Shopping Complex and China National Service Corporation have established four offshore duty-free shopping zones at key Sanya locations since 27 January. These include the Four Points by Sheraton Sanya and Sanya Bay Resort.

A representative from the Provincial Department of Commerce has underscored Hainan’s plans to continue issuing offshore duty-free consumption vouchers and roll out diverse promotional offers across duty-free stores.

The province is focused on implementing tailored strategies, identifying new growth drivers and advancing the integration of ‘duty-free +’ principles. These efforts are expected to drive the offshore duty-free market strongly in Q1. Read More