Will China’s Hainan island kill the duty free industry? International shopping sprees are out now the tropical paradise lets domestic travellers leave with US$15,000 of tax free goods
This article is part of Style s Inside Luxury Column
To many people in Europe or North America, the word Hainan would draw a complete blank. The smallest and southernmost province in China, it is comprised of Hainan island, the largest and most populated island in China, along with various smaller islands.
Hainan is often referred to domestically as the Hawaii of China thanks largely to its subtropical to tropical climate. In June 2020, the Chinese government announced an ambitious plan to transform the entire island into a free trade port, making it the largest special economic zone in China.
Welcome to Indonesia’s ‘new Bali’ – site of alleged human rights abuses Kuta in Lombok, where a UN report says villagers were evicted to build a motorcycle racing circuit as part of a “new Bali” tourism development. Photo: Shutterstock
Think of Bali and a motorcycle grand prix probably isn t the first thing that springs to mind. But a circuit for such races is under construction in Mandalika, a coastal resort area on the neighbouring island of Lombok, one of 10 new Balis designated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Designed to replicate the international appeal and associated financial success - at least before Covid-19 exposed the weaknesses of a visitor-dependent economy - of Indonesia s biggest tourism brand, the focus of the new Balis project has been narrowed to five destinations, at a cost of 4.01 trillion rupiah this year alone, The Jakarta Post reports. Mandalika is among the super priority locations - selected based on their accessibility, their vi