The number of overseas tourists to Hainan province reached 645,500 by the end of 2016, up 19.45 percent year-on-year, official figures show.

Hainan is a tropical island at the southern end of China, and is a famous destination for overseas tourists.

According to the Hainan Tourism Development Commission, the number of inbound passenger flows saw a surge thanks to the increased cooperation between Belt and Road countries and the newly launched air routes.

There were 30 newly-opened or re-opened air routes last year, increasing the total number of international air routes to 51, covering more than 16 countries and regions.

The upward trend shows Hainan has regained popularity among foreign travelers after three straight years of decreasing number, with multiple sources showing new features, the Commission said.