Hainan province generates CNY510 million (US$70.1 million) in May Day holiday duty-free sales

CHINA. Offshore duty-free sales on Hainan Island during this year’s May Day holiday (1-5 May) reached CNY510 million (US$70.1 million), CCTV reported, according to influential Chinese media title CCTV, a result since verified by Moodie Davitt China TR Express, our daily WeChat platform*.

Shopper numbers (not transactions) reached 79,100.  

Travel retailers across the island from cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex and GDF Plaza in the north to cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, CNSC and HTDF in the south all rolled out a range of promotions to drive consumption.

Their efforts were buoyed by extensive government support in the form of consumption vouchers.

CCTV noted that after years of development the offshore duty-free business has transformed from the initial ‘price-driven’ model to an ‘experience-driven’ channel.

The report noted the offshore duty-free model has now been applied across all modes of transport, while delivery methods of consumer purchases are now much more convenient and diverse.

In addition to the original airport pick-up method, new applications include mail delivery and post-return to the island pick-up (for Hainan residents) and the ‘guaranteed pick-up’ and ‘buy and pick-up’ methods introduced in April 2023 – all designed to make shopping easier and more immediate for consumers and ease logistical constraints for retailers.

“The offshore duty-free policy has become an important engine to promote Hainan’s consumption upgrading and stabilise economic growth,” the report concluded. Read More