Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort

Organised by Sanya Tourims Board and supported by PATA, the event this year will be held under the theme

“Coastal Tourism: Symbiosis and Development of Nature and Culture”

With the subtitle of “From Sanya to the World: Rethinking the Future of Tourism Cities,” it is set to spark discussions that will shape the future of coastal and tropical tourism among industry leaders and professionals, city representatives, and buyers from around the world.

The event is organised along three themed tracks: A) Sustainable Tourism, B) High-End Tourism, and C) Indigenous Culture. Delegates will embark on their selected theme for an in-depth exploration of different sides of Sanya, visiting the city’s unique attractions, culture, and coastal scenery, followed by a Salon Discussion on the relevant topics.

I'm Interested

Programme

Day 1: Tue, November 18

0800-1700

Registration

Opening Ceremony

  • Addresses by Dignitaries & Leaders

  • Address by Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA

  • Keynote Communication: Climate Change and Sustainable Tourism Development
    by WU Pu, Director & Researcher of Strategy Institute of China Tourism Academy

  • Release of Developing Sustainable Tourism in Tropical Coastal Cities: Global Case Studies by PATA

  • Cocktail Party & Ethnic Performance

1800-2000

Day 2: Wed, November 19

0900-2000

Group Immersion Experience

Group A: Sustainable Tourism and Ecological Restoration: The Future of Coastal Cities

  • 0900-1200: Wuzhizhou Island: Scenic Spot Visit

  • 1400-2000: Sanya 1 Hotel Inspection, Salon Interaction, Handcrafts Making (Tie-dye & Coffee grounds pendant), Dinner at Green House

Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob
Deputy Director-General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)

Prof. Dr Wolfgang Georg Arlt
Director, Meaningful Tourism Centre Ltd

Group B: High-End Tourism and Experiences: How Coastal Cities Attract High-End Tourists

  • 0900-1200: Yacht outing, Introduction on high-end customised experiences

  • 1400-2000: Golf Club site visit, Salon Interaction, Golf Experience, Customised Dinner

Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA

Ibrahim Shiuree
CEO & Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation

Jose Arunasalom
Chairperson, Mauritius Tourism Authority

Umapon Pasuknirant
Deputy Director - Guangzhou Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Group C: Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Innovation: Exploring the Modern Integration and Global Spread of Indigenous Culture

  • 0900-1200: LuHuiTou: Scenic Spot Visit, Li Ethnic Group Story Park, Li Pottery-making

  • 1400-2000: Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park: Scenic spot visit, Salon Interaction, Learning and Practice of Li weaving techniques, Li Ethnic Group Roundtable Dinner

Rob Taylor
CEO, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council

Anna Carr
Associate Professor, University of Otago; Co-Director, Centre for Recreation Research

Day 3: Thu, November 20

0900-2000

Group Immersion Experience

Group A: Healthy Future: Innovation and Practice of Global Wellness Tourism Destinations

Suh Eun Heui
President, Korea Medical Tourism Association

Hannah Pearson
Director, Pear Anderson

Group B: Tourism Consumption and Commercial Development: How to Drive Economic Growth in Coastal Cities

  • 0900-1200: Joy City: Visit, Salon Interaction in the Cloud Peak showroom

  • 1400-2000: HTDF Shopping Mall & CDF Duty Free Mall Site Inspection

Group C: Protection of Indigenous Culture: How to better protect indigenous culture during modernisation

  • 0900-1200: Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park: Site inspection, Salon Interaction

  • 1400-2000: Sanya Romance Park: Site inspection, Performance

Dr. Gantemur Gana
President, Mongolian Tourism Association

Kiniviliame Raicebe
Marketing Manager, Pacific Tourism Organisation

Rob Taylor
CEO, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council

Day 4: Fri, November 21

0900-1800

Departure

Official Event Venue

Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort

Located on the beachfront at Haitang Bay, Sanya, this family-friendly resort provides a variety of hotel rooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces, offering stunning garden or ocean views.

About Sanya

Known as the Hawaii of China, Sanya’s miles of coastline, tropical climate, and upscale resorts make it a go-to beach destination for many travellers. Nevertheless, it’s the city’s coconut plantations, fruit-sorbet stands, and fishing port that keep travellers coming back.

Additionally, due to its geographical location near the equator, Sanya enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with a mild climate and an average annual temperature ranging from 24°C to 28°C. It is an ideal place for those who love some relaxing time on the beach, under a clear blue sky, without the heat.

✈️ Flight

  • Sanya Phoenix International Airport: The airport has two terminals and is served by several domestic and international airlines, including Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Airlines, and Jeju Air.

🚄 High-speed Train

  • High-speed train from Haikou to Sanya runs on a daily basis, taking around 2 hours costing CNY 85/pp.

Getting There

💡 How to Enter Hainan Visa-free?

As of February 9, 2024, citizens of the 59 Visa Free eligible countries holding ordinary passports may enter Hainan Province (excluding long-term working and studying) for up to 30 days without a visa.

Foreign travellers can enter Hainan through any open port in the province and remain in the province's administrative area during their stay period. Each entry period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the entry day. 

Travellers from the 59 visa-free entry-eligible countries may travel from anywhere with a direct flight to Hainan. Upon arrival, visa-free travellers must fill in the entry application card at the port of arrival per visa-free entry regulations. 

For full information on travelling to Hainan visa-free, visit: http://en.explorehainan.com/en/plan/visas.shtml

Travellers who need to travel to other parts of China must apply for a visa.

*Travellers holding travel documents other than passports are not eligible for visa-free entry

**Visa-free entry is allowed for these purposes: Commercial activities and trade, visits and exchanges, family reunions, receiving medical treatment, attending exhibitions, taking part in sporting events and other needs (excluding long-term working and studying).

2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event

Host