Hong Kong Airlines and its sister airline, Hong Kong Express Airways, have increased frequencies between Hongkong and Hainan Island, specifically Haikou and Sanya. In recent years, the destination has become one of China's most popular holiday getaways, particularly with the domestic crowd.
Both airlines' Hongkong-Haikou services are now twice a day, and their Hongkong-Sanya services are daily from a four times weekly previously.
James Tien, Hongkong Tourism Board chairman, said the route enhancements were beneficial to both the Chinese destination and Hongkong, which works as a convenient air hub.
One of the markets that the destination and Hongkong are eager to attract are Russian business and leisure travellers. Last year, about 150,000 Russian visitors spent their holiday in Hainan Island, and in July this year, Russian visitors were no longer required to apply for a visa to enter Hongkong.
There is no lack of luxury accommodation in Hainan Island, with most of the branded hotels found in Yalong Bay, Sanya, including the Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and Marriott. The Dusit chain announced on November 11, 2009, it would open the 183-room Dusit Thani Sanya, along Zhiangshui Bay, in December 2010.
For more about the airlines, visit www.hkairlines.com and www.hongkongexpress.com
Liu Hongzuo
