According to the newly revised Sanya Tourism Development Master Plan for 2008-2020, Sanya will start the construction of an international tourism freeport to boost Hainan province as an international tourism island.

The master plan milestones the development strategies for tourism in Sanya over the next 12 years. Sanya will build itself into an international cruise terminal and Southeast Asian yachting leisure and exhibition venue, with four marine leisure bases: the Olympic water sports winter training base, the special sports base, the diving experience base, and the sea fishing base.

In addition, Sanya will also enhance its travel service levels, tourism management and operational capability.