Twenty-seven people from 15 countries have been invited to publicize tourist resources in China's southernmost province of Hainan.

Receiving a certificate from local officials at a ceremony held here Friday, Arrigo Vaccari said he enjoys the life in the island very much and is honored to become a volunteer tourism promoter.

Vaccari, an Italian who works with the Haikou office of Air Bus, has been in Hainan for four years.

Vaccari said he will try to make more people to experience the friendly people, fresh air, beautiful sand and sea, delicious food and absolute quietness here.

The promoters were selected from 70 candidates from 15 countries including Britain, the United States, Switzerland, Australia, Russia and Singapore, who have been living or working in the scenic island for a long time.

Foreigners have been playing an important role in building Hainan into a reputable tourist destination. Phone calls to family members or e-mails could be good advertisement, Han Bin, director with the Haikou foreign affairs office, said at the ceremony.

The move was jointly initiated by the office and the provincial tourism bureau.

Han said they were planning to publish an English monthly for foreigners, hotels and tourist agencies. They were also inviting foreigners to compile a English brochure introducing the history, environment, scenic spots and traditions of the island.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2009)