As a popular tourist destination, South China’s Hainan Province attracts tourists with its duty-free shopping. From this month, new products are being added to duty-free allowances for overseas visitors. The upgrade also brings good news for island residents, giving them unlimited purchases under the “buy-and-pick-up” option for the rest of the year. Lin Wo has the story.
Driven by the new duty-free shopping policy, Haikou CDF Mall has created a one-stop shopping market, showcasing new products, including pet supplies, musical instruments, small appliances, and photography equipment. Tourists are also drawn by made-in-China products like clothing, tea, and coffee.
VINCENT THOMES Canadian Tourist “When I come here, I’m actually much more interested in Chinese brands, and I know the quality is just as good, if not better than, in many cases. So, given that it expands the opportunities for shopping for foreigners like me, it’s something only to be appreciated.”
In response to the duty-free policy upgrade, Haikou GDF Plaza has set up dedicated areas for small household appliances, trendy Chinese cultural products, and pet supplies.
ZHONG SHIHUA Sales Manager, Haikou GDF Plaza “The new policy not only expands the range of products, but it also enhances the shopping experience with the ‘buy and pick-up’ option.”
HAIKOU RESIDENT “New island residents like us can now easily buy what we need at the duty-free store.”
Staff at Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex have been trained on the changes, to provide customers with a better shopping experience.
SU HAIYUN Assistant Sales Director, Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex “After the new policy was released, we quickly organized comprehensive training for all our employees to prepare them to answer consumer questions about the new policy when they enter the store.”
TOURIST “When we were shopping earlier, the sales staff told us about the new policy, so we changed our flight in order to make a purchase. I’m buying a ring here.”
The new duty-free shopping policy provides consumers with more choices, and aims to stimulate the sales of duty-free goods and boosting local tourism consumption.