Sanya Yacht Show 2026: A Window to China’s Booming Marine Tourism Industry

From April 15 to 18, the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) Sanya International Yacht Sub-Exhibition, themed “China’s Window, Sailing into the Future”, was held at Sanya International Yacht Center. As an important exhibition platform for the marine tourism industry, the show presented the integrated effect of the “marine tourism +” format in a three-dimensional way through immersive scene construction and interactive experiences, reflecting the sound development momentum of China’s marine tourism industry, according to China Daily.

As a key sector of the marine economy, marine tourism is releasing strong vitality. Data from the 2025 China Marine Economy Statistical Communique shows that marine tourism developed rapidly in 2025, achieving an added value of 1.6273 trillion yuan with a year-on-year growth of 5.9%. It has become a “blue engine” driving the high-quality development of the marine economy, providing sustained impetus for the industrial transformation and upgrading of coastal areas.

Sanya, Hainan Province, has become a core carrier for China’s yacht industry development by virtue of its unique natural conditions and policy advantages, known as the “golden coast” for yachts with more than 300 navigable days a year. Supported by improved infrastructure and policy support, it attracts over one million yacht enthusiasts annually, laying a solid market foundation for the industry.

Su Wenru, Deputy General Manager of Sanya Business District Development Group Co., Ltd., a representative of the show organizer, told reporters from the Securities Daily that the yacht show welcomed purchaser delegations from more than 10 countries, facilitating precise face-to-face docking with exhibitors and efficient trade cooperation. She added that Hainan’s “zero-tariff” policy has directly reduced yacht purchase and operation costs.

In the first month after Hainan Free Trade Port’s closure, 13 new yachts were registered in Sanya, carrying 122,000 passengers. In addition, reforms such as “multiple certificates in one” and “one-stop handling without navigation suspension” have greatly streamlined the certification process, reported the Securities Daily.

Li Jing, Business Manager of Shenzhen Nikeda Industrial Co., Ltd., said the company was attracted by the show’s international platform, policy benefits of Hainan Free Trade Port and improved yacht terminal supporting facilities in Sanya. “This platform helps enterprises connect with global yacht buyers and enthusiasts,” she noted.

Technology innovation is injecting momentum into the industry’s upgrading. The show set up a new energy yacht zone for the first time, showcasing pure electric and hydrogen-fueled vessels. Su Wenru explained that Hainan’s port closure dividends provide cost-reduction opportunities for new energy R&D and manufacturing, addressing bottlenecks in technology maturity and cruising range.

Chen Deqiang, Chairman of Xike (Hainan) Marine Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., displayed artificial wave technology at the Hainan Pavilion of CICPE. “Relying on air chamber structure technology, we can accurately reproduce various wave forms, which can be applied to coastal hotels, marine sports venues and even inland areas to create unique surfing experiences,” he said.

The show also launched integrated consumption scenarios such as “yacht + low-altitude flight”, “yacht + diving” and “yacht + wedding photography”. Xu Xiaoliang, Chairman of Fosun Tourism and Culture Group, stated that the company will continue to increase investment in Hainan, promoting high-quality development of tourism consumption to help build Hainan into a world-class tourist destination.