#China #Sanya #Hainan Marathon #Racecation #Sanya Tourism

A New Era of Racecation: The Hainan (Sanya) Marathon

The recently concluded Hainan (Sanya) Marathon, held during the last weekend of 2025, stands as a pivotal event in the realm of running and tourism. It became the first Class A-certified marathon sanctioned by the China Athletics Association (CAA) since the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP). This event significantly harnessed the advantages offered by Hainan FTP, such as easier visa access and international mobility, which together have had a remarkable impact on local spending and tourism.

Exploring the Economic Impact

The marathon has proven to be an economic boon for Sanya. The hotel occupancy rate peaked at an impressive 92%, while commercial spending along the marathon route surged by approximately 35%. Such statistics underscore the growing trend of Racecation—where traveling for a marathon or sports event becomes a unique part of a vacation experience.

Yang Yong, General Manager of Events and Commercialization at Orange Lion Sports, noted that event organizers effectively utilized resources from across the Alibaba ecosystem to enhance the event’s reach, thereby connecting better with both domestic and international participants. This approach encouraged increased spending among attendees and participants, further highlighting the potential of sports events to stimulate local economies.

The Role of Connectivity

One of the standout features of Hainan FTP is its facilitation of visa-free travel for citizens from 86 different countries. Coupled with a robust international flight network servicing 25 destinations in Asia and Europe, this initiative greatly enhances the accessibility for global marathon enthusiasts and observers alike. Furthermore, recent changes to the tariff framework have expanded the list of goods permissible for duty-free import from 1,900 to over 6,600 items, making it much easier and more affordable for participants to bring in their race gear.

This lowered the logistical costs for event organizers, who reported significant savings on essential items such as timing systems and professional gear. The reinvestment of these savings into runner services and marketing efforts allowed for a heightened experience and engagement level, drawing in more sponsors and partners.

Continuity Beyond the Race

The influence of the marathon surpassed the race weekend itself. Data analysis from Fliggy, a popular travel platform, indicated a steady rise in hotel bookings since late October, in harmony with a marked increase in reservation activity during the marathon weekend. Furthermore, the marathon coincided with the first New Year’s holiday under the new customs regulations, further stimulating consumer spending.

According to the Sanya Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, the city welcomed around 650,800 visitors over the New Year holiday, resulting in substantial tourism expenditures amounting to 1.299 billion RMB. The combined effect of the marathon and holiday travel significantly boosted overall market activity.

Conclusion: Bridging Sports and Tourism

The success of the Hainan (Sanya) Marathon illustrates how large-scale sporting events can effectively bridge the realms of tourism, hospitality, and international spending. It highlights the significance of integrating sports and tourism as a means to foster economic development and enhance the travel experience for participants, embodying the spirit of Racecation. As this trend continues to flourish, it promises to transform the landscape of both sports events and tourism on a global scale.