Core Points - From January 1, 2026, foreign tourists in South Korea will no longer be able to apply for tax refunds on medical beauty services, as the government has decided not to extend the special VAT refund policy for foreign tourists, which will officially expire on December 31 of this year [1] - The South Korean government implemented a temporary VAT refund policy for medical beauty services in April 2016 to promote high-value medical tourism related to the Korean Wave, allowing foreign tourists to claim a 10% VAT refund when receiving services at designated medical institutions [1] - In 2024, it is estimated that 1.17 million foreign patients will visit South Korea for medical treatment, with a total medical expenditure of 1.41 trillion KRW, averaging about 1.53 million KRW per person [1] - The medical beauty tax refund applications have reached 1.01 million, with a total refund amount of 95.5 billion KRW [1] - The medical and tourism industries in South Korea are calling for the government to extend the tax refund policy, as the "cost-performance" advantage of the medical beauty industry is seen as a core competitive strength to attract foreign visitors [1] Industry Concerns - There are concerns that the lack of institutional incentives may lead some institutions and customers to evade taxes through cash transactions, resulting in regulatory difficulties and transparency issues [2] - The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to negotiate with tax authorities to seek an extension of the temporary policy, leaving room for potential adjustments [2]

Core Insights - The construction of Hainan Free Trade Port is a significant reform and opening-up initiative personally planned and promoted by President Xi Jinping, with continuous policy upgrades and an improved business environment leading to high-level openness and quality development [1] Group 1: Port Development - Yangpu Port is a crucial international shipping hub for Hainan Free Trade Port and the western land-sea new passage, with over 30 foreign trade routes connecting Southeast Asia, West Africa, North America, the Middle East, Brazil, and India [2][3] - By the end of 2024, Hainan will establish a "four ports and five harbors" structure, with Yangpu Port as the international hub and Haikou Port as a major national port, enhancing both domestic and international trade routes [3] Group 2: Duty-Free Shopping - Sanya International Duty-Free City is the first national-level tourist attraction centered on duty-free commerce, having received over 92 million visitors and expanded to 12 duty-free stores across major tourist cities in Hainan [4][6] - Since the implementation of the new duty-free shopping policy on July 1, 2020, the customs have supervised duty-free shopping amounts exceeding 195.8 billion yuan [6] Group 3: Technological Innovation - Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City is a key area for seed industry and deep-sea technology innovation, with six national-level research platforms and 45 provincial-level platforms established [7][9] - The focus is on achieving self-reliance in seed technology and enhancing marine technology to ensure food security and energy independence [8] Group 4: Healthcare Development - Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone serves as an important window for Hainan Free Trade Port, currently hosting over 30 domestic and international medical institutions and benefiting over 130,000 patients [10][13] - The region aims to promote a health industry leveraging Hainan's unique climate and ecological resources, contributing to economic transformation and the development of a "big health" brand [13] Group 5: Tourism Growth - Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port is China's first international terminal capable of accommodating 80,000-ton cruise ships, having received over 1,600 cruise ships and 2.03 million tourists by 2024 [14][16] - Hainan aims to build an international tourism consumption center, with a projected 97.2 million tourists in 2024, marking an 8% year-on-year increase and setting a historical record [16]

Group 1: Event Overview - The third China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo (Chain Expo) opened in Beijing on July 16, featuring participation from 10 enterprises and parks from Hainan Province, with three units exhibiting [1] - The Hainan exhibition area focused on three main themes: "Healthy Life Chain," "Green Agriculture Chain," and "Supply Chain Services," covering an area of over 280 square meters [1] Group 2: Innovations in Agriculture - Hainan Natural Rubber Industry Group Co., Ltd. showcased its latest fourth-generation intelligent rubber tapping machine, which can replace over 80% of manual labor and achieve first-grade tapping precision [1] - The machine can be remotely controlled via PC and mobile app, allowing simultaneous cutting of thousands of rubber trees within 1 to 2 minutes [1] Group 3: Supply Chain Services - Dehang Group demonstrated over a thousand SKU products sourced directly from Europe, South Korea, and Japan, utilizing a combination of policy benefits, innovative models, and comprehensive services to facilitate cross-border circulation [2] - The group aims to attract more international products and partners from South Africa, Europe, and Central America to enrich the product ecosystem of Hainan Free Trade Port [2] Group 4: Healthcare Innovations - The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone made its debut at the expo, showcasing innovative drug and medical device policies along with approximately 70 imported innovative drugs and health products [2] - A key product highlighted was Lenacapavir, an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis drug, which received approval in the U.S. and was made available in Lecheng within eight working days, demonstrating a "zero time difference" approach to market access [3] Group 5: Participation and Scale - The Chain Expo gathered over 650 enterprises and organizations from 75 countries, regions, and international organizations [4]

Core Insights - The third China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo will be held in Beijing from July 16 to 20, themed "Linking the World, Creating the Future" [1] - Hainan Province will organize 10 enterprises and parks to participate and conduct economic and trade promotion activities in Beijing [1] Group 1: Exhibition Details - The expo will feature six major supply chain categories: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy living, and green agriculture [1] - Hainan's exhibition area will focus on three main sectors: "Healthy Living Chain," "Green Agriculture Chain," and "Supply Chain Services," covering over 280 square meters [1] - The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone will showcase innovative drug and medical device policies and overseas products under the theme "Enjoy World-Class Healthcare, Build Healthy Dreams" [1] - Hainan Agricultural Reclamation Investment Holding Group will highlight achievements in tropical high-efficiency agriculture, focusing on natural rubber and seed industry [1] - Dehang Group will present supply chain services related to BRICS countries and the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the vitality of Hainan's modern service industry [1] Group 2: Economic and Trade Activities - A series of economic and trade activities will be held during the expo, with a focus on attracting investment [2] - The Hainan Free Trade Port Industry Chain (Beijing) Investment Promotion Conference will be a core event, inviting around 200 foreign diplomats, business representatives, and industry experts [2] - The conference aims to connect Hainan's key industrial parks and enterprises with domestic and international business associations and leading companies [2] - Three specialized investment promotion activities will take place: the Hainan Free Trade Port International Supply Chain "Belt and Road" Cooperation Supply and Demand Matching Conference, the Hainan Green Agriculture Chain Development Trends and Opportunities Conference, and the Hainan Boao Lecheng Medical Tourism Supply and Demand Matching Conference [2]

Core Insights - The tourism industry is transitioning from a traditional service model to an integrated ecosystem driven by digitalization and consumer demand for experiential travel [1] - Key transformations are occurring in technology, emotional engagement, and ecological integration within the tourism sector [16] Group 1: Technology Upgrade - AI is evolving from a tool to a "smart co-pilot" in the online travel industry, with platforms rapidly iterating AI products every 1-2 months [6] - Hotels are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, with 60% of repetitive tasks potentially handled by AI, allowing human managers to focus on more complex responsibilities [6][7] - Self-service check-in and robotic assistance in hotels are significantly reducing service time and improving operational efficiency [7] Group 2: Scene Innovation - The low-altitude economy is reshaping tourism experiences, with government support leading to the commercialization of eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft [8][9] - New applications in low-altitude tourism, such as drone delivery and aerial sightseeing, are creating seamless experiences for travelers [9] Group 3: Service Elevation - The tourism service model is shifting from functional delivery to emotional resonance, with airlines introducing pet-friendly services to cater to emotional consumer needs [10][11] - Young travelers are increasingly prioritizing emotional experiences, as evidenced by their willingness to travel for concerts or events, significantly boosting local tourism economies [11] Group 4: Business Model Reconstruction - The hotel industry is diversifying beyond accommodation, with many hotels venturing into new retail businesses, creating a lifestyle ecosystem [12][13] - Medical tourism is emerging as a new trend, with cross-border healthcare services becoming increasingly popular [13] Group 5: Consumption Chain Restructuring - The phenomenon of "one ticket leading to multiple expenditures" is transforming traditional consumption into a more interconnected ecosystem [14] - Cultural events are becoming key drivers for tourism, with significant increases in local tourism linked to events like music festivals [14][15] Group 6: Future and Challenges - The tourism industry is expected to undergo significant changes by 2025, driven by advancements in AI, emotional engagement, and cross-industry integration [16] - Challenges such as regulatory barriers, supply imbalances, and the need for a stable content production mechanism remain critical for the industry's evolution [17]

Core Insights - The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone has seen a significant increase in the usage of special medical devices and drugs, with a reported 44.14% year-on-year growth in usage instances in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 16,000 instances [2] - The collaboration among various departments has led to innovative regulatory measures that have streamlined the approval process, resulting in a substantial increase in the number of approved medical devices and drugs [2][3] Summary by Sections Usage Growth - In the first quarter of 2025, the usage of special medical devices and drugs in Lecheng reached 16,000 instances, marking a 44.14% increase compared to the previous year [2] - The total usage for 2024 is projected to exceed 51,000 instances, reflecting a 79.33% year-on-year growth [2] - The value of special medical devices entering the bonded warehouse reached 602 million yuan, an 18% increase year-on-year [2] Regulatory Innovations - Since 2021, the provincial drug regulatory authority, health commission, and customs have implemented measures to support high-quality development in the Lecheng pilot zone, including adjustments to the approval process [2] - The approval process has shifted from a "one person, one product, one batch" model to a "one product, one hospital, one batch" model, significantly increasing the number of approvals [2] Patient and Institutional Engagement - The implementation of a drug and device exit registration measure has led to a noticeable increase in patient willingness to use these products, benefiting over 17,000 patients [3] - The regulatory authority is focusing on patient needs and is actively seeking products that can create usage scale and extend the industry chain [3] - A shared service platform for special medical devices and drugs is being developed to enhance communication and service delivery, transforming the approval process from passive to proactive [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing trend of medical tourism from Russia to China, particularly in cities like Heihe, where Russian patients seek dental and traditional Chinese medicine services due to lower costs and better service quality compared to Russia [3][4][5]. Medical Tourism Growth - Medical tourism in border cities like Heihe and Suifenhe is attracting a significant number of Russian patients, especially for dental care and traditional Chinese medicine [3][4]. - The cost of dental procedures in China is approximately one-third of that in Russia, making it a financially attractive option for Russian patients [4][10]. - In 2024, the number of Russian visitors to China reached 2.78 million, with a significant increase in flight connections facilitating this trend [5][10]. Economic Context - The depreciation of the Russian ruble and high inflation rates have led to a decline in disposable income for many Russians, prompting them to seek more affordable medical options abroad [4][44]. - Despite a reported GDP growth of 4.1% in Russia for 2024, the economy is primarily driven by defense spending, with consumer spending under pressure [4]. Local Impact - The influx of Russian patients has created a burgeoning medical service industry in Heihe, with local businesses adapting to cater to this new clientele [10][11]. - The local economy in Heihe has seen a growth of 26.48% in the tertiary sector in 2024, largely driven by services catering to Russian tourists [10]. Cultural Exchange - The article notes a cultural exchange where Russian patients are increasingly engaging with Chinese medical practices, such as acupuncture and traditional therapies, which they find effective [18][36]. - Russian patients often express satisfaction with the services received in China, leading to repeat visits and recommendations among their peers [46]. Challenges and Adaptations - The article discusses the challenges faced by local businesses in adapting to the changing economic landscape, including the need to adjust pricing strategies to accommodate the reduced spending power of Russian clients [44][46]. - Communication barriers remain a challenge, with many Russian patients relying on translation services to navigate medical consultations and treatments [34][35].

Group 1 - The Thai Ministry of Public Health has announced a strategic plan to promote the health industry, which includes measures such as popularizing the use of Thai herbal medicine, accelerating medical tourism development, and strengthening local manufacturing of medical devices [1] - The Thai government aims to establish a Health Economy and Policy Office to implement this strategic plan, with an expected economic value of 690 billion THB by 2025, contributing 3.39% to the country's GDP [1] - The Thai government has approved a strategy to develop Thailand into an international medical center from 2025 to 2034, focusing on health promotion services, medical treatment, academic research, and pharmaceutical products [1] Group 2 - Thailand has a long history of developing medical tourism, officially launching its strategy in 2004, with the aim of becoming a global health tourism hub [2] - In 2022, Thailand had nearly 39,000 medical institutions, with 64% being private, and ranked fourth globally in medical tourism revenue in 2023 [2] - The Thai government has extended the medical tourism visa to 90 days to facilitate international patients seeking medical care [2] Group 3 - The international appeal of Thailand's health industry is increasing, with a strategic partnership formed between Guangdong Panhua Blue Cross Health Management Co., Ltd. and Thailand's BWC Anti-Aging Center to promote market activities in anti-aging and healthcare [3] - Medical tourism in Thailand is attracting visitors from the Middle East, with an average spending of approximately 89,000 THB per visit, indicating the attractiveness of high-end medical tourism projects [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights the development of Boao, Hainan, as a symbol of China's openness, particularly in the context of the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in 2025 [2] - Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone is emphasized as a new high ground for China's medical openness and cooperation, showcasing significant achievements in the introduction of innovative drugs and medical devices [2][3] Medical Industry - Over 460 types of first-use licensed drugs and medical devices have benefited 110,900 patients, with 2024 seeing a 79.3% increase in licensed medical device usage and a 36.8% increase in medical tourism visits [3] - The introduction of visa-free policies for 59 countries and transit visa exemptions for China has facilitated international medical tourism, with a notable increase in per capita spending exceeding 12,000 yuan [3] Cultural and Tourism Development - The article discusses the cultural exchanges and exhibitions at the Hainan South China Sea Museum, which enhance local cultural heritage and tourism [6][7] - The local government is focusing on rural revitalization through cultural industry empowerment, creating beautiful rural clusters around the forum venue [9]