Feature Report Hainan’s M.I.C.E. Dreams
Hainan’s M.I.C.E. Dreams
The surge in hotel development on Hainan has bolstered the island's MICE potential, writes Andrew Starc
Competition is fierce amongst Asia's premier tourist destinations to become the region's "Capital of MICE", yet no other destination in China or even MICE leader's Japan come close to offering the rich diversity present on Hainan Island.
Such is the rate of development on Hainan, the tourist landscape of the island a mere decade ago would be completely unrecognizable to today's burgeoning skyline of 50-star hotel developments. Fuelled by the relentless growth of the Chinese economy, from 2010 onwards, Hainan will have the second largest new hotel pipeline in China after Shanghai – with more than 6,000 new resort rooms announced.
Most of the upcoming resorts – including St Regis, Shangri-La, Fairmont, Four Seasons and Park Hyatt – will feature a strong MICE component.
The island's rainforest covered hills, sparkling coastline and resort atmosphere draw immediate comparisons to Hawaii, while its bustling inner cities and distinctive locals bear a striking resemblance to nearby neighbour Vietnam. Tourism development began at the turn of this century, when Sheraton, Marriott and Hilton opened adjacent beachside resorts along Yalong Bay, near Sanya. Hainan soon lured the Miss World pageant and became the host destination for the Boao Forum, an annual gathering of Asia-Pacific business and governmental leaders.
Resort development has continued along Yalong Bay's horseshoe-shaped inlet fringed by tropical palms. In April 2008, the Ritz-Carlton opened a 450-room resort here, which the company's CEO, Simon Cooper, described as "at least the equivalent of anything we have anywhere in the world".
Cooper added: "Hainan Island is an emerging market, and we needed to hit the market at the right time with the right product. It is performing way ahead of expectations."
Among its extensive MICE facilities and resort activities – recently utilised by groups including Louis Vuitton, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Bulgari and Land-Rover – is a crèche and children's recreation centre, specially designed for Chinese incentive groups who like to bring their families with them.
Another appeal is its proximity to two world-class golf courses, the Yalong Bay Golf Club and the Sun Valley Club, which features the longest par-six golf hole in China.
Indeed, golf is a major lure for corporate groups. "In five or six years, Hainan could become one of Asia's top golfing destinations," said Gerd Knaust, general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, which opened earlier this year at Coral Bay. "We already have 10 golf courses within a 45-minute drive of the resort."
The next phase of Hainan's tourism development will focus on other areas of the island. Banyan Tree has opened a resort in Luhuitou Bay, while 90 minutes away, Le Méridien Shimei Bay overlooks a stunning six-kilometre stretch of beach that segues into Riyue Bay, home to the annual Surfing Hainan tournament. The resort recently hosted a teambuilding retreat for Siemens China, a 300-person annual meeting of the China Resource Company and a three-day weekend break for Coca-Cola China staff.
Infrastructure development will be crucial for integrating the many resorts springing up island-wide. A 302-kilometre high-speed train is being built between the provincial capital of Haikou and Sanya (both of which boast international airports).
Sanya is also constructing a 2,550-seat Grand Theatre. The Hainan Olympic International Village at Haitang Bay will include sports and conference centres, villas, a golf course and a marina.
Hainan's MICE ambitions will rely heavily on China and Hong Kong (just a one-hour flight away). Other flight services are also beginning to open up. Jetstar Asia have already launched a Singapore-Haikou and Hainan Airlines will operate direct flights to and from Hanoi, and between Haikou and Taiwan, opening up a previously untapped – and potentially lucrative – new inbound market.
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