(Yicai Global) Nov. 22 – Authorities in China's southernmost Hainan province have introduced a new way for the visitors to engage in duty-free shopping before leaving the islands. Meilan Airport in the provincial capital of Haikou now offers travelers the opportunity to make advance purchases one day before leaving their departure, China Tourism News reported yesterday.

The airport recently expanded its duty-free shopping areas by 18,000 square-meters, to a total of 30,000 square meters bringing the total number of brands on offer to 400.

The expansion led to an increased demand from travelers for extra time to shopping, and Meilan Airport has subsequently introduced the service.

Customers can call the booking hotline two days in advance to take part in duty-free shopping on their last full day on the island. Service staff will be on hand to receive travelers, handle temporary boarding cards and lead them to the shopping areas.

The airport has also opened a booking service through its official account on Wechat, internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd.'s [HKG:0700] vastly popular messaging and lifestyle app.

Travelers may make advance purchasing between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm each day and any goods purchased can be picked up on the actual day of the departure flight.