Home > Highlights

Adjust font size:

Tan Li, deputy governor of Hainan Province, attends a press conference on the Boao International Tourism Forum on March 18, 2010 in Haikou. [Chen Chao/china.org.cn]

Some say it will be a tough sell. In Imperial times, Hainan was seen as a remote, toxic swamp and a convenient place of exile for officials who had fallen out of favor. During the 1990s the island had a seedy reputation as a center of gambling and prostitution.

But the island has impressive natural assets – magnificent sandy beaches, mountains, tropical rain forest, all within easy reach of flagship south coast resort, Sanya. And its infrastructure is excellent with top-quality highways and a new railway under construction.

Hainan's drive to build an international tourism brand appears to be aimed at the high end of the market. Elite sports, top-notch facilities, 5-star hotels and luxury homes are, so far, the most visible results of the island's transformation.

The government is following the traditional route of seeking celebrity endorsements. Among those putting in an appearance at the forum are former US Secretary of state Condoleeza Rice and Australian golfing superstar Greg Norman.

Norman will host an all-star Pro-Am extravaganza this October at the Mission Hills golf club, a few kilometers from provincial capital Haikou. The full A-list of celebs taking part is not yet available, but the organizers said Hugh Grant, a respectable amateur golfer, will be playing.

Mission Hills is the jewel in the crown of Hainan golf. Like its sister club in Shenzhen, Mission Hills is owned by Hong Kong business mogul and Beijing political insider, David Chu. In 2011, the club will host the Golf World Cup.

Comments >>

No comments.