Although tourism festivals became popular throughout the rest of China many years ago, the first one was celebrated Saturday in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, which is located on the world's highest plateau.

From today, the second Saturday of every June will be Tibet's " Tourism Day", as approved by the regional government and aimed at further promoting the booming tourism industry. June is the best season for touring Tibet.

The theme for the first tourism day was "Tourism and Youth". Over 5,000 students took to the streets in this regional capital, to join a campaign calling for environmental protection while developing the tourist industry.

Tibet's tourism has shown a vigorous growth momentum in recent years, with over 150 registered tourism agencies competing in the market. The fixed assets of these companies are estimated at some one billion yuan.

At the same time, the number of overseas tourists to Tibet has been increasing at a two-digit rate annually.

As well as its distinctive customs, highland nature reserves and beautiful landscape, Tibet boasts many well preserved historical sites and relics.

(Xinhua 06/11/2001)