The figure is 8.89 percent more than that of last year, said sources from the provincial tourism department. Tourism earnings totaled 608 million yuan (about US$73.25 million) during the period, up 26.69 percent.

According to the sources, Haikou, the provincial capital, Sanya City on the southern tip of the island, and Boao, the permanent venue of the Forum for Asia on the east coast, are the three most popular destinations in Hainan.

The Hainan island, China's largest Special Economic Zone (SEZ),is separated from the mainland by the Qiongzhou Strait. Previously, people had to rely on air flights to travel into or out of the island.

However, since early last month a train-ferry service has been launched for passengers crossing the strait, making access to the island province cheaper and easier.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2003)