Tibet Tourism
Tibet is located in the southern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and stands at the southwestern border of China. It is an autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China.
Tourism is an important way out of poverty. Of course, Chinese government found the way to bring money and development to chronically poor Tibet. Transportation plays an significant role in travel. The $4.2 billion high-speed rail project that opened in 2006 and carries travelers from Beijing or Shanghai to Lhasa in about two days lies at the heart of that goal, which can be the bridge connected to Tibet from other places.
Tourism is a pillar industry in Tibet, which accounts for more than 20% of the GDP(gross domestic product) of Tibet. The tourism industry increases many jobs for 11% of its population. The June-September period is peak season for Tibet. In order to attract visitors from all over the world in the winter, the price of entrance tickets to major attractions has been slashed by 50% to boost arrivals. Meanwhile, some hotels provide discounts of up to 60% during the time.
Background of Tibet Tourism
Tibetan tourism industry featured in snow-covered plateau is full of unique charms. However, before the peaceful liberation of Tibet in 1951, there was no tourism industry there. Tibet tourism started in 1980s. In the last few decades, international travel and tourism has become one of the fastest growing and largest industries. In Tibet, tourism has evolved from something that was heavily controlled and restricted to a lucrative and ever expanding industry. What’s more, Tibet tourism also brings the culture conflict, especially the Buddhism culture. More and more people know Tibet at home and abroad.
Effects of Tibet Tourism
- New modes of production and new ways of living have allowed farmers and herdsmen to become a part of modern civilization.
- Changes have occurred to the way that farmers and herdsmen interact with one another and their horizons are being widened on a daily basis.
- The farmers and herdsmen have a yearning for knowledge and are attaching greater importance to education than they did in the past.
- Farmers and herdsmen are seeking healthier lifestyles and have become much more aware of environmental protection.
- The feelings of gratitude that farmers and herdsmen have toward the Party and the government have laid down solid foundations for social harmony and stability.
Features of Development of Tibet Tourism
- Tourism planning has been promoted, standardization and rule of law developed, and the overall tourism industry has been boosted.
- Rural tourism has vigorously developed, and Tibetan people have shaken off poverty started to get rich.
- Management has been reinforced and service upgraded
- The strategy for top-quality tourism has been put in place and Tibet’s theme image for tourism has been taking shape.
- Investment has been intensified and tourism infrastructure has seen accelerated development.
- The scale of tourism development has been expanded.
Development Prospect of Tibet Tourism
The development prospect of Tibetan Tourism is extensive due to the abundant resources, including
1. Pilgrimage/Spiritual Tourism
Another lucrative area of promoting Tibetan tourism lies in exploring pilgrimage destinations scattered throughout the nation. Tibet has numerous ancient pilgrimage sites.
2. Mountain Tourism
Trekking and mountaineering is the heart of tourism in Tibet. If such adventurous climbing and trekking destinations are properly managed there is no doubt to take the Tibetan tourism business in the higher scale. In addition to this, there are a number of mountain regions in Tibet that still needs to be explored. Most of the travelers in Tibet are very much familiar about the popular trekking and peak climbing routes.
3. Nature Tourism
The wealth of Himalayan flora and fauna and diversity of wilderness has already made Tibet one of the richest countries in the world in the eyes of global travelers. The wildlife conservation centers in the alpine regions as well as a considerable number of national parks in the low land of Tibet have played a tremendous role to protect endangered as well as well rare species.
