Hainan to enlarge tax exemption quota in duty-free stores

The provincial government of Hainan and China Duty Free Group are considering easing restrictions in the province's duty-free stores to cope with a downturn in local tourism, area media reported Sunday.

The tax exemption quota may be enlarged to between 8,000 ($1,257) and 10,000 yuan per purchase, and be good for four purchases a year. At present, shoppers are only entitled to an exemption of 5,000 yuan per purchase, twice a year, in Hainan's duty-free stores.

After opening last year, average spending at Hainan's duty-free stores is 2,100 yuan per visitor.