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Tibet grows into hot tourist spot  |
Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has been long attractive to tourists for its beautiful natural scenery and brilliant culture. Over half a million visitors from both home and abroad visited Tibet last year and the total tourism income reached 600 million yuan. Tourism trade has become the fifth pillar industry of the autonomous region.
The weather and road conditions are at their best in Tibet when the month of May arrives. In the Dazhao Temple, the Potala Palace and other well known scenic spots, tourists are seen everywhere, taking pictures and bargaining with peddles for scenic souvenirs.
A german tourist said: "I'm interested in Tibetan culture and history and many tourist sites such as the Potala Palace."
While in Tibet, tourists do not need to worry about food. In Lhasa and Xigaze, there are scores of restaurants, serving different types of food, including Tibet's local dishes and western food. Some 130 hotels and tourist service agencies are able to fully accommodate room and board needs for every tourist in Tibet.
Tibet boasts rich tourist resources, including the towering Mount Qomolangma, the wild Yarlung Zangbo River valley, the magnificent Potala Palace and unique art and culture. Tibetan officials say they expect 4 and a half million tourists bringing with them a total income potential of nearly 1 billion US dollars from this trade next year. The World Tourist Organization says China will be the biggest tourist destination in the world by 2020. As China accelerates development in its western areas, Tibet will play an increasingly important role in the process.
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