#China #Sanya #Hainan FTP #Sanya Marathon #Holiday Racing

The Surge in Spending After the Sanya Marathon: A New Holiday Racing Trend

The Hainan Marathon, held in Sanya during the last weekend of 2025, has proven to be a catalyst for economic activity in the region. As the first Class A event certified by the Chinese Athletics Association since the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hainan FTP), this marathon not only attracted a large number of runners but also significantly enhanced the local economy.

Impact on Local Tourism and Services

The event enjoyed a noteworthy hotel occupancy rate of 92%, indicating that many participants and their supporters traveled to Sanya specifically for the marathon. The financial impact was underscored by a 35% increase in commercial expenditures in the area. This surge in local spending is particularly impressive, given the added attractions of Hainan FTP, which have improved logistics for both domestic and international visitors and emphasized the region's potential as a hub for holiday racing.

With relaxed visa regulations allowing citizens from 86 countries to visit without a visa, the marathon's timing coincided perfectly with the New Year and Spring Festival. This helped further stimulate the economy by encouraging additional tourist spending, as the area welcomed 650,800 tourists during the New Year period, contributing approximately 1.299 billion RMB in tourism-related expenses.

Yang Yong, the Director of Events and Commercialization at Orange Lion Sports, noted that they harnessed resources from Alibaba's ecosystem, such as Taobao and Fliggy, to effectively engage a wide range of runners, thereby promoting higher spending related to the marathon. This strategic approach played a vital role in increasing participation and financial contributions to local businesses.

Advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port

One of the distinct features of the Hainan FTP is its extensive network of international flight routes, serving 25 destinations across Asia and Europe, which has made it easier for international participants to attend. The port's tax-free import list has expanded dramatically, enhancing the viability of sporting events in the region. Prior to this, only 1,900 goods qualified for tax exemption, but the new regulations have increased that number to over 6,600. This expansion has allowed essential equipment for the marathon to be imported without incurring tax charges, thus lowering overall event costs dramatically.

Organizers of the marathon reported substantial savings on timing systems and specialized equipment, precious funds that were then reinvested into operational quality, athlete support, and marketing efforts. This reinvestment not only improved the event's overall experience but also attracted more sponsors and partners, confirming the marathon’s burgeoning reputation in international sporting circles.

Ongoing Effects Beyond the Event

The impact of the marathon extended beyond just the weekend of competition. Data from the Fliggy platform indicated a steady uptick in hotel bookings following the marathon’s conclusion, with partner hotels maintaining positive occupancy trends throughout the event. The combined effect of the sporting event and the peak travel season during the festivities led to noticeable increases in market activity in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

The success of the Hainan Marathon showcases how large sporting events are increasingly intertwining with tourism, hospitality services, and international consumer spending, paving the way for future events that can leverage such dynamics. As places like Sanya continue to cultivate their identity as premier destinations for holiday races, it's clear that the blend of sport and travel is a formula that not only benefits local economies but also enriches the global running community.