Organised by Sanya Tourism Board and supported by PATA, 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event 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

  • Welcome speech by the leader of Sanya

  • Welcome speech by Soon Hwa Wong, PATA Ambassador for Greater China

  • 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

Soon Hwa Wong
PATA Ambassador for Greater China

WU Pu
Director & Researcher of Strategy Institute, China Tourism Academy

Hannah Pearson
Director, Pear Anderson

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 (Sound healing & Coffee grounds pendant), Dinner at One Little Room

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

CB (Ram) Ramkumar
Vice Chair, Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Gelena N. Asis-Dimpas
Regional Director-Regional Office VII, Department of Tourism Philippines

Taichiro Ishida
Director, SURUGA Marketing & Tourism Bureau

Shuichi Kameyama
Lead Consultant, JTB Tourism Research and Consulting Co

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

Gary Bowerman
Director, Check-in Asia

Glen Vavaitamana
Engagement and Communications Officer, Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association

Noor Ahmad Hamid
CEO, PATA

Ibrahim Shiuree
CEO & Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation

Dr Ganesh Michiel
President, Malaysia Tourism Federation

Irene R. Tumaob
Manager-Sales Division, Business Development Department, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority

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

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

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

Adela Issachar Aru
CEO, Vanuatu Tourism Office

Rob Taylor
CEO, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council

Tanusia He Lotu Folaumahina
Senior Marketing Officer, Ministry of Tourism Tonga

Paul Pruangkarn
Director of Marketing & Communications, PATA

Day 3: Thu, November 20

0900-2000

Group Immersion Experience

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

Michael Massey
Advisor, Former Director, Chairperson of Phuket Hotel Association's Environment Committee

Gelena N. Asis-Dimpas
Regional Director-Regional Office VII, Dept. of Tourism Philippines

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 at 43F One Club

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

Ibrahim Shiuree
CEO & Managing Director, Visit Maldives Corporation

Samuel Lee
Deputy Director General, Tourism Malaysia

Abdillah Baraas
General Manager, Ijen UNESCO Global Geopark

Gary Bowerman
Director, Check-in Asia

Glen Vavaitamana
Engagement and Communications Officer, Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association

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

Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia
Director, American Samoa Visitors Bureau

Daniel Fisher
General Manager Marketing, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

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