Okinawa Governor Keiichi Inamine announced on Jan. 16 that the total number of tourist to Okinawa last year was 5,084,700, the highest number ever and topping 5 million for the first time in history.

The record shows a healthy increase of 6.5 percent over 2002. The opening of several large tourist facilities such as Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and promotion efforts carried out by both public and private organizations are credited for the accomplishment.

Per-tourist spending in Okinawa was ¥74,000, and the total amount of tourism revenue was ¥377.4 billion. Governor Inamine said: “We need a higher quality of accommodation facilities and better preparation for typhoons to take on more tourists. Our goal this year is to welcome in excess of 5.25 million tourists.”