Hainan to expand tourism to Xisha Islands in 2014
"Hainan will work to expand its Xisha tourism and improve its quality in 2014 in the South China Sea," said Xiao Jie, the mayor of Sansha City.
Since tours to the Xisha Islands opened on April 28 last year, the Coconut Princess, the only cruise ship that travels to the islands, has made 14 trips, carrying more than 2,000 domestic tourists, according to the provincial tourism development commission.
Xiao said this year more efforts will be put on improving the tourism products there in terms of quality and diversity. Trips to the Xisha Marine Museum or underwater cultural relic sites will be available to the public in the near future.
The government also plans to further explore the Jinqing Islet, where tourists can enjoy leisure fishing and sun bathing.
Considering the small area and vulnerable ecological environment, there is no plan for more construction of accommodation and catering facilities in the region.