The Chinese city of Haikou on promotion in Zagreb

In order to further showcase Haikou's urban culture, sports events and tourism resources and expand its sports economy industry and inbound tourism market, the symposium Promotion of Haikou tourism investment (Zagreb) was successfully held in Croatia on November 22, 2024.

Representatives of the Croatian Football Association, the Croatian-Chinese Friendship Society, Croatian football clubs, tourist  and sports companies, Hungarian sports marketing experts, Croatian travel agencies and the media.

They participated in the symposium Hua Xiaodong, director of the Haikou CPC Committee Publicity Department, Wang Peng, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Croatia and Branko Balon, president of the Croatian-Chinese Friendship Society, who gave appropriate speeches.

Hua Xiaodong emphasized the deep historical connection between China and Croatia, adding that the ancient Silk Road enabled exchanges between the two nations. He also praised Croatia's global reputation as a football superpower, with a rich football culture and achievements.

As a strategic city in the Chinese initiative "Belt and road" and the key hub of Hainan Island's free trade port, Haikou City offers unique resources, including coastal tourism, sports events, art and culture. Hua expressed the hope that both sides will explore effective ways to utilize football as a platform to integrate resources, expand markets in tourism, culture and sports and the full release of the potential of the sports industry.

Under the theme 'Vibrant Haikou - a city of free trade', this event cemented Haikou's global reputation as a top tourism destination, explored opportunities for the integration of multiple industries such as 'sports + tourism + culture', and deepened Haikou's international exchange and mutual learning. in tourism, culture and sports.

During the symposium, Hainan's European investment promotion representative introduced the football facilities in the China National Football (Southern) Training Base, Haikou's professional football clubs, the local winter training industry, football events and youth training programs. This provided guests with a more direct and in-depth understanding of Haikou's sports offerings and strengthened the foundation for future sports exchanges and cooperation.

In addition, detailed discussions were held on the development of the sports event industry and event facilities in Haikou and Croatia. Focusing on Haikou's rich sports event resources and high-quality services, both parties aim to enhance cooperation and jointly promote sports event tourism, offering richer and more diverse experiences to tourists. This conversation further advanced the integration of sports and tourism, giving new momentum to the development of tourism and football cultural exchanges between the two regions.

In 2024, it was declared a top destination Chinese sports tourism.

In recent years, Haikou has rapidly expanded its football infrastructure, with specialized training bases for top professional teams gaining recognition from domestic and international clubs, making the city a prime choice for winter training.

The city also offers youth training facilities for competitions and development programs. As Haikou continues to develop into a free trade port, it is not only known for its unique "tropical coastal resort" appeal, but also for its open, inclusive and vibrant atmosphere. 

With its unique natural resources of 'mountains and seas', Haikou launched health initiative throughout the city, promoting the coordinated development of the program 'fitness for all', competitive sports and sports industry. The city aims to become the main center of international sports events while creating common urban sports spaces for residents and tourists. Thanks to its distinctive coastal environment, Haikou constantly gathers sports enthusiasts from the country and abroad.

As Haikou's international reputation grows, more and more international tourists want to visit this charming city. Haikou plans to use its tourism appeal to further develop grassroots sports, attracting more sports fans to participate in events and encouraging them to explore the city's tourism offerings, which will encourage greater integration of sports and tourism, giving new impetus to cultural and tourism consumption.

Photo: Leon Zhao Jiang