The number of overseas tourists to South China’s Hainan Province passed the historical one million mark in December 2017 -- three years ahead of the target, statistics shows.

By October, Hainan Province had received 887,700 overseas tourists, 57.1 percent increase year-on-year.

Its foreign exchange earnings exceeded 551 million U.S. dollars, up 128.8 percent year-on-year.

As a famous tropical resort for overseas tourists, Hainan has put great emphasis on globalizing its tourism in recent years.

The government’s support for tourism industry has motivated enterprises to join the efforts in promoting inbound tourism.

Hainan has striven to improve services according to the international standards, renovate itself with international elements and optimize supply, in a bid to increase its attractiveness.

The launch of new international direct flights and the targeted promotion along the new air routes is another key to ensure a sustainable increase of inbound tourist flows.

Until now, Hainan has 56 international direct flights and is expected to see 100 international air routes by the year of 2020.

There will also be favorable policies with regard to visa-free travel, flights, promotion and service to make Hainan an aviation hub and world-class resort, according to the local government.