Representative from different areas in Tibet discussed such topics as trends in China's tourism industry, and the special nature of Tibetan tourism. They also visited scenic destinations in Beijing, Tianjin and adjacent Hebei province.

The 10-day seminar is an example of China's drive to develop its western regions by encouraging tourism and its efforts to train more qualified personnel for Tibet's fledgling tourist industry.

In the past year, the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has compiled special textbooks for Tibet tourism professionals, and opened tourism courses at Tibet University. The CNTA has also sponsored books and computers for Tibet.

Tourism will drive Tibet's economy in the future, so it is essential to train the autonomous region's tourism professionals, says Li Yuezhong, an official with CNTA.

More than 600,000 travelers went to Tibet last year. The number of arrivals in Tibet is expected to reach 900,000 this year, including 120,000 visitors from overseas.

(People's Daily November 24, 2002)