"Better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times. Only by experiencing the natural and cultural environment in Hainan can you understand the cultural differences, and furthermore enhance mutual understanding and respect in exchanges", Sam, a young man from Syria, said when talking with his companions.

Sam is a participant of a recent tourism event in Hainan province. Themed "Be Together In A Better Hainan", the event invited foreigners from across the world on a tour around the island.

The first group of 25 international attendees from 16 countries set off from Haikou, capital of Hainan province, last Saturday. Participants include online influencers, officials from foreign embassies, representative of foreign tourism authorities, cultural scholars and executives from foreign enterprises.

The group enjoyed themselves in various natural and historic scenic spots - the Qikou Old Street in Haikou, the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone and the beaches in Sanya, all of which embody the unique local culture.

Organized by the Hainan provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports, the event aims to promote local culture and tourism online, improve cultural exchanges of youths across the world, create a better image of the Hainan Free Trade Port, and make Hainan into one of the nation's best tourist destinations.

The event utilized both online and offline resources to enhance the communication between participants and optimize its effect - participants are encouraged to follow and interact with each other on social media platforms.

Zina, an online influencer from the Czech Republic and a member of the event, has been livestreaming every activity in her journey from the launch ceremony. Whether it is tasting coconut chicken soup, a Hainan specialty, sailing on a yacht, or making ciba, a glutinous rice cake, with women of the Li ethnic groups, Zina shares tourism activities in Hainan directly with her followers.

The event not only allows participants to see the beauty of Hainan and taste its delicacy, but also deepens international cultural cooperation and communication to a large extent.

The Hainan provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports contributed to this story.