However, its ecology is easily disturbed and this raises the voices of many here and abroad requesting protection for the islands as world heritage sites that must coexist with tourism. Resort Zone Okinawa One of Okinawa's main industries is tourism. The number of tourists was 200,000 in 1971, the year prior to the reversion to Japan. Since then the number has been increasing steadily to pass 4,500,000 in 1999. Tourists enjoying blue seas, white beaches and glorious sunshine at one of Okinawa's resorts, Moon Beach in Onna.
Most tourists stake out beach-front hotels.
The west coast is developing as a typical resort area with many top-class hotels. The beaches bustle with youth enjoying marine leisure activities such as bathing, diving, riding water bikes and cruising while the older visitors can relax in Okinawa's warm winter climate. Seven hotels will accommodate the G8 leaders, the Manza Beach, for example, taking the US party, and the Rizzan Sea Park taking the British representatives. Diving Diving is the most popular among Okinawa's marine sports. Since they are surrounded by coral reefs, these islands have countless good diving locations.