Visitors from China topped the list of foreign tourists to the southern central province of Khanh Hoa in the first three months of 2016 with more than 107,000 arrivals.

Chinese tourists conduct entry procedures.

The figure was five times higher than that of the same period last year, according to the local Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The increase was attributed to the opening of several direct air routes linking China’s major cities with Khanh Hoa’s Cam Ranh international airport.

The locality welcomed over 272,000 foreign tourist arrivals during January-March, according to the department.

Khanh Hoa has become an ideal destination for both domestic and foreign travellers thanks to its intriguing sea and island tourism, gentle climate, stable price and quality services.

Last year, the province served more than 4.1 million tourists, including around 974,000 foreigners, grossing 7 trillion VND (315 million USD).

It aims to welcome 4.5 million visitors in 2016.

VNA