Why Global Travel Insiders Are All Talking About Sanya
Sanya has recently been making waves across Southeast Asia’s travel scene. From its high-profile appearance at Bangkok’s ICONSIAM to its growing presence across social media, the city’s appeal is clearly reaching beyond borders. Behind this rising attention is a distinct group of voices—seasoned tourism leaders, senior media executives, and heads of industry associations. These are people who have experienced the world’s finest destinations, yet this time, their focus has converged on Sanya. Through their insights, a new dimension of this coastal city begins to emerge.
📍 Expert Perspectives: Sanya’s Evolution on the Global Stage
“Sanya is not only one of China’s highlights—it’s a world-class destination”
Xu Nalin | Chairman, Zhenghao Travel Group (Thailand) “For anyone thinking about a seaside trip in China, Sanya is often the first choice.” With continued upgrades in duty-free retail, entertainment and accommodation, interest from Thai travelers is steadily rising. In his view, Sanya’s greatest strength lies in its constant evolution—world-class beaches combined with ever-improving infrastructure make it a destination people want to return to.
“From domestic hotspot to international hub—Sanya is transforming”
Noor Ahmad Hamid | CEO, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Hamid points to a clear shift in Sanya’s positioning: “Recognizing Sanya as an international independent travel destination marks an important strategic step.” He suggests further developing its “soft power”—including wellness tourism, traditional Chinese medicine, and community-based ecotourism—to stand out from destinations like Phuket and Bali. He also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities.
📍 Regional Collaboration: From Competitors to Partners
“We’re not competitors—we’re strategic partners”
Zheng Sirui | Director, East Asia Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand “While some see Thailand and Sanya as competitors, we see strong potential for collaboration.” She highlights Sanya’s strengths in duty-free shopping and urban development, while Thailand offers a more relaxed holiday atmosphere. “It’s these differences that encourage mutual travel flows.”
“Malaysia–China tourism holds strong synergy, with halal travel as a key opportunity”
Nuwar Fadila | Senior Director, Tourism Malaysia Fadila notes the similarities between Malaysia and Sanya in climate, culture and cuisine. “Halal tourism, in particular, represents significant potential.” With many Malaysian Muslim travelers eager to explore new destinations, Sanya could become a compelling next choice. Collaborative promotion between both sides could unlock further growth.
📍 On the Ground: Sanya’s Growing Popularity
“Sanya is already an international destination”
Ganis | President, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association; Chairman, Malaysia Tourism Federation “Sanya is everywhere—on TikTok, on YouTube.” He praises its global marketing efforts and notes its real-time data capabilities as something worth learning from. After experiencing golf, яхтинг и cultural sites, he adds: “You see visitors from the UK and the US along the coast—that’s a sign Sanya is moving in the right direction.”
“For Malaysian travelers, Sanya offers outstanding value”
Liu Weikang | President, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association “For many Malaysians, the first attraction is the Guanyin statue—the largest in the world, much like the Statue of Liberty for Chinese communities.” Add to that its food and beaches, and most importantly, value for money: “With the same budget, you might only travel briefly elsewhere in Southeast Asia—but in Sanya, you get to experience China. It’s one of the best-value destinations in the country.”
🌇 Moments That Inspire: Bangkok Street Reactions
At the ICONSIAM screen in Bangkok, we captured real, spontaneous reactions:
“The pace of life feels slower, and direct flights make it so easy.” —A Thai visitor who has been to Sanya
“After seeing the diving footage, I’d consider Sanya as my first stop in China.” —A young viewer inspired by the campaign
From being noticed to being chosen, Sanya’s global journey is gaining momentum. Direct flights to Frankfurt, visa-free travel policies with Thailand, and just a two-hour flight from Bangkok—all are bringing people closer together. As these voices suggest, Sanya is steadily becoming a bridge between Asia and the world. For your next journey, why not meet in Sanya?