Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong has stressed that Hainan must accelerate its development of education, science and technology and culture to promote its status as an international tourist destination.

Liu made the remarks during an inspection in south China's Hainan, where she visited schools, research institutions, hi-tech companies and cultural organizations.

The central government announced on Jan. 4 a plan to build the island into a top international tourist destination by 2020. The specific tourism promotion plan is currently under study and scheduled to be submitted to the National Development and Reform Commission between March and April.

Liu urged the province to reduce the educational gap among different regions and promote the development of higher and vocational education which can serve the construction of a tourist island.

While meeting with agricultural technology experts, she stressed the research on biological breeding and boost the country's competitiveness in seed industry.