Hainan: Facebook, Twitter to be available in major cities for foreign tourists

seaside view of Hainan [Photo/VCG]

The General Office of the People's Government of Hainan Province released a three-year action plan on June 21 aiming to enhance the island province's level of international tourism.

By 2020, the number of inbound tourists will be increased to two million and the number of foreign employees working in tourism-related industries in Hainan is expected to have reached 50,000. To achieve the latter goal, employment channels for overseas talents will be further broadened. International labor service personnel for posts such as salespersons, masseurs and stewards will be introduced mainly from countries with English education backgrounds such as the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Nepal, and Vietnam. 

Hainan will also increase direct international flights to 70 and overseas air routes to 100 by 2020. The major destinations of non-stop air routes will be countries and regions along the Belt and Road and international aviation hub cities. The Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport will become 24-hour customs clearance hubs and the Qionghai Boao International Airport will be upgraded to a world-standard level.

Two tourists walk through a tropical garden at the Nanwan Monkey Island Reaserch Park in Hainan. [Photo/VCG]

More roundabout cruise lines, home port routes and high seas routes will be opened to gradually form a Maritime Silk Road Cruise Circle. Hong Kong and Macao tourists will be able to take Xisha cruises. Construction of cruise terminals at the Xisha Islands will be greatly supported and qualified islands will be developed into unique international tropical resorts.

In its major tourist cities of Haikou and Sanya, Hainan will offer foreign tourists easy access to such popular social media platforms as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

In addition, more countries will have the chance to enjoy an entry visa-free policy with improved services while visiting Hainan. New sports lotteries for international events such as golf, sailing, yachting, surfing, marathon running, cycling, tennis and horse racing will be promoted.