China to open Xisha Islands to tourism

China is to open the Sansha Islands in the South China Sea up to tourism ahead of the May Day holiday. Visitors will be able to travel to the islands on cruise tours.

Details of the tour routes and cruises are to be released at a later date. Cruises are the most popular method of visiting the islands, as tourist amenities are still relatively undeveloped on the islands. Each cruise ship accommodates nearly 2,000 passengers.

Experts say munber of visitors to the islands will be limited at any one time in an effort to protect the fragile natural environment.

Tan Li, Executive Vice Governor of Hainan province, said, "We will improve the infrastructure of our marine theme park, duty-free shopping and entertainment center, and underwater archaeology base. We welcome high-end restaurants and hotels to Hainan. We will give them preferential tax plans, according to their brand recognition and their investments."