[Photo/Xinhua]

Environmental protection will also be a focus.

The cruise ships have another key advantage, he said, as they are big enough to cater to large numbers of people without overwhelming the local ecology.

Tourists are instructed to take away any garbage they produce on the islands, he said.

"The islands have received about 30,000 visitors in the past three years. But the environment of the islands that receive the ships is better than before."

Sansha plans to introduce garbage transfer ships, as well as those for interisland transport and maritime law enforcement.

Sea planes, introduced this year, will give tourists a different perspective. Fishing and diving will be on the itinerary, along with island weddings for romantics.

Flights to Sansha from Haikou or Sanya will be available, he added.

"It is our dream that one day we can fly to the capital from Sansha. That will definitely be fulfilled."

Xiao said that by developing tourism, fishermen will be attracted to the service industry, pushing forward the transition of the local economy.

"The arrival of tourists will nourish the need for divers and windsurfers. We can use the Yongxing School to train fishermen for the new jobs. It is important to have the local community share the benefits."