2024 China Mermaid Open, Asian Cup boosts sports tourism in Hainan

The 2024 China Mermaid Open Grand Final and Asian Cup kicked off at Atlantis Sanya on Thursday.

More than 70 top athletes from various countries and regions, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia are competing at the Ambassador Lagoon, a professional aquatic venue at Atlantis Sanya. They are vying for the titles of annual champion of the Open and the first Asian Cup Champion.

Since its inception by the Water Sports Administration Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, the China Mermaid Open has matured through 10 open tournaments, establishing a robust mermaid competition system in China that has gained prominence internationally. These tournaments not only attract professional athletes annually but also offer spectators a captivating fusion of visual and artistic delight.

The competition offers a stage with 13,500 ton of seawater and an 11-meter-deep open-air setting. Spectators can witness the underwater performances up close through a massive 16.5-meter-wide, 10-meter-high high-transparency acrylic, appreciating the grace and allure of mermaid diving.

Bao Jiangjun, CEO of Fosun Tourism Group, expressed pride in Atlantis Sanya for hosting the prestigious international event once again. "As a perfect blend of sport and art, mermaid diving injects new vitality into the development of high-quality tourism," he said. "We are committed to integrating tourism with sports, culture and entertainment, creating innovative consumption scenarios for cultural and sports tourism. We hope that hosting this event will enrich Hainan's sports tourism offerings, cater to the demand for high-quality and diverse travel experiences, contribute to the establishment of a national sports tourism demonstration zone in Hainan, and support the development of an international tourism consumption center."

Heiko Roeder, managing director of Atlantis Sanya, noted the visual appeal of mermaid diving and its positive impact on tourism. "Hosting the competition not only attracts global athletes but also boosts tourism, enhancing Hainan's reputation as a premier sports tourism destination," he said.