Wanning of Hainan is gaining popularity as a surf spot for international surfers  
 
China is making waves in the surf industry by hosting an increasing number of surfing events. The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) have confirmed that Wanning, a seaside city based in Hainan Province, China, will permanently host their annual International Surfing Festival.

The 2010 International Surfing Festival and the O’Neill Surfing Hainan Open were held in Wanning at the beginning of this month.

The ASP further announced that Wanning will host their 2011 World Tour. The Australianbased organization is dedicated to showcasing the world’s best surfing, with offices spanning six continents.

With international attention drawn to Wanning’s ideal surf conditions, Hainan tourism agencies hope that the future of world-class surfing is showcased from China.

Chief of the Hainan Tourism Commission, Lu Zhi Yuan, said; "We are looking forward to seeing even more of these events hosted in Hainan. It is somewhat astonishing that China isn’t usually associated with surfing, because Hainan boasts perfect surf and beautiful beaches. We hope that the ASP consider Wanning as a fixed site for their World Tour."


The decision to base these events in Hainan comes after the success of the 2010 International Surfing Festival. The three day event attracted surfing professionals from all over the world, including Holly Beck, Sam Bleakley, Emiliano Cataldi and Erwan Simon.

Representatives from all facets of the surf industry met to discuss the future of surfing in Hainan. Hosting the festival is expected to provide another boost to the Island’s tourism.

Director of Tourism Hainan, Australia and New Zealand Office, Michael Lee, said; "Hainan has already received a lot of attention this year for hosting the Miss World finals and the Mission Hills Star Trophy golf tournament, which attracted many A-listers to the Island. We had the pleasure of accommodating Matthew McConaughey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Grant and Michael Douglas.

"The potential for tourism in Hainan is really quite incredible. I have no doubt that Hainan will build a reputation for surfing that rivals the international reputation of our golf tournaments," concluded Mr Lee.

The Wanning Municipal Government have announced plans to build a surfing-themed park and surfing training base.

Wanning, situated on the South China Sea, has a 2000 year old history. The city is already famous for its five star hot spring resorts, pristine forests and soon, it appears, its surf.

 
SOURCE: e Travel Blackboard
 
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