DFS to open “seven-star” DFS Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan, by 2026

By Faye Bartle |

DFS Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan

The 128,000 sq m site will feature over 1,000 luxury brands.

DFS has today announced plans to open a first-of-its-kind “seven-star” luxury retail and entertainment destination, DFS Yalong Bay, in Sanya by 2026.

The travel retailer is forecasting an ‘unprecedented investment’ into a 128,000 square metre site on Hainan, in China, which is set to attract over 1,000 luxury brands including iconic maisons from the LVMH Group, once fully operational.

DFS Yalong Bay is pegged to become a leading destination in the city for luxury shopping, world-class accommodation, dining, and entertainment, serving both international and domestic tourists.

“DFS Yalong Bay is an incredibly exciting development for DFS, and I believe for the Chinese travel industry,” said Benjamin Vuchot, DFS Chairman and CEO, in Cannes today.

DFS Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan

Benjamin Vuchot, DFS Chairman and CEO, revealed details of the sprawling development in Cannes today.

“Think the glamour and experience of Shanghai, Macau, Dubai, and Las Vegas: now add Sanya to these dream destinations.

“Yalong Bay represents a key entry point to Hainan, which the China Government plans to turn into the world’s largest free-trade port.

“In addition to this strong policy, Hainan also offers luxurious resorts, beautiful sandy white beaches and high-end medical facilities.

“Hence, we believe that Hainan is well-poised to become one of the fastest growing luxury markets in the world maximising both domestic and international consumption.”

Vuchot added: “With Hainan on course to become one of the world’s largest luxury retail markets in the next five years, DFS Yalong Bay will be a critical addition to DFS’ global portfolio.

“We expect tourism to grow significantly as investments in passenger airport capacity, high speed roads and port capacity will also boost tourism potential in Hainan.

“DFS Yalong Bay will be the only luxury retail property within Yalong Bay. We have tremendous excitement and optimism about this project.”

DFS Yalong Bay will be a “critical addition” to DFS’ global portfolio.

The Yalong Bay development represents DFS Group’s goal to ‘lead and grow the market share of luxury in Hainan’ across fashion, beauty and fragrances, watches and jewellery.

Nancy Liu, President, DFS China confirmed that it marks a core component of DFS’ long-term expansion and investment strategy in the China market.

“DFS Yalong Bay is the latest in a series of commitments we are making in China,” said Liu.

“Yalong Bay area is undoubtedly the most developed luxury natural cove in Sanya, where DFS will provide unparalleled personalised services to our patrons.

“This truly represents a substantial stride in DFS’ global strategy to expand in the China market through a multi-format, multi- channel expansion in the luxury travel retail sector.”

DFS Yalong Bay in Sanya, Hainan

DFS Group expects DFS Yalong Bay to attract over 16 million visitors per year by 2030.

Concluding, DFS Chairman and CEO, Benjamin Vuchot said: “This DFS announcement today is the clearest commitment we can make to the long-term development of Sanya and Hainan and the entire Chinese tourism market.

“Upon completion of DFS Yalong Bay, DFS will not only play a positive role in elevating Yalong Bay, but we will also secure Sanya as a top tier luxury destination on the global stage with the brand partners we bring, leveraging our DNA in luxury travel retail.

“Looking forward, we are committed to forging new retail legends in Hainan and throughout China with our strategic partners bringing unforgettable experiences to all domestic and international travellers.

“We are also proud of the contribution we will make to the local economy of Hainan. We expect DFS Yalong Bay to attract over 16 million visitors per year by 2030 and create sizeable economic opportunities within Yalong Bay.”

The Americas

JFKIAT seeks ‘world class’ F&B operator for ten JFK T4 units

JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT) has launched a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for ten...

Africa

TRBusiness Ghana Shorts: Sherif Toulan, President, MEADFA

The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) will eye the possibility of bringing...

Europe

WH Smith opens largest UK travel store at Birmingham Airport

Specialist retailer WH Smith has today (16 November) opened its largest store in its UK Travel...

image description

In the Magazine

TRBusiness Magazine is free to access. Read the latest issue now.

E-mail this link to a friend