4.09 mln tourists visit Tibet in last 8 months

　　BEIJING, Spet. 10 -- A total of 4.09 million tourists from home and abroad visited southwestern China‘s Tibet in the last 8 months, 70,000 more than the total tourist arrivals in 2007, according to the Tourism Bureau of Tibet.

　　The tourists have brought revenue of 3.23 billion yuan to Tibet, up 16 percent and 248 percent compared with that of 2007 and 2008.

　　Six tourists take photos at the Potala Palace Square, Lhasa, capital of southwest China‘s Tibet Autonomous Region, Sept. 21, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

　　"Tourism somewhat indicates the condition of social stability," said Yu Yungui, party secretary of Tibet Tourism Bureau. The region has picked up from the shock by riots in Lhasa last year and realized a rapid recovery growth.

　　"It is safe to travel in Tibet, and the Tibetan people are hospitable," Yu added.

　　Under the drive the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, 4.02 million tourists from home and abroad visited Tibet in 2007, with the tourism revenue hitting 4.8 billion yuan.

　　In March 2008, Tibet‘s tourism hit a historic low, but now recovers from the riot‘s impact as departments concerned have carried out a range of measures to revive the business.

　　At the beginning of 2009, tourist reception which witnessed a sharp decline in 2008 started to go up rapidly. A total of 1.5 million tourists traveled the region in the first quarter of the year. Alone in July, the region received another 1.22 million tourists, up 2.3 times than the same period last year.

　　"Tibet‘s tourism has shifted from rapid growth to a scientific way," said Yu, adding the region will further work on tourism promotion by bringing more attractive items and optimizing the service groups.