Hainan province will upgrade cruise ship and tourism facilities to enhance the travel experience to the Xisha island group in the South China Sea, a senior official said.

Since tours to Xisha opened on April 28 last year, the Coconut Princess, the only cruise ship that travels to the islands, has made 14 voyages, carrying more than 2,000 domestic tourists, according to the provincial tourism development commission.

Xisha tours are open only to Chinese so far, and experts said many more Chinese want to see China's southernmost city.