CHINA. The Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce is set to issue CNY24 million (US$3.4 million) worth of duty-free shopping and airfare vouchers.
The campaign, running from late August until October, is designed to boost the island’s tourism sector and encourage duty-free spending.
As reported, Hainan offshore duty-free sales fell -29.9% year-on-year in the first half to approximately RMB18.46 billion (US$2.6 billion). This was partly driven by a -10% fall in shopper numbers to 3.36 million and a -35.9% slump in the number of transactions to 19.8 million.
CNY15 million (US$2.1 million) in vouchers will be allocated to duty-free shopping and CNY9 million (US$1.3 million) to airline ticket discounts.
Every day, 800 vouchers worth CNY300 (US$42) will be distributed with airlines offering additional vouchers. Passengers can purchase a CNY500 (US$70) voucher package for CNY1 (US$0.14), to be used towards flight and shopping discounts.
Hainan Airlines is currently participating in the campaign and other carriers may join later. Additionally, the province is hosting the third annual Hainan International Offshore Duty Free Shopping Festival with various themed promotions. 🏝️
