Hainan aims for status as top travel spot

The southern island of Hainan has big plans to turn itself into a top travel destination over the next five to ten years.

The State Council has released a scheme promising greater investment in Hainan's travel industry. Management, marketing, services and sales are due for upgrades to bring them in line with the very best in the world. Preferential policies will give Hainan the help it needs to turn itself into a premium travel destination by 2020.

In addition, the island is aiming to transform itself into a platform for economic cooperation and cultural exchange. Hainan is also hoping to serve as a base for agricultural production and also for developing resources and services in the South China Sea.