Lhasa aims to receive 3.8 mln visitors in 2010

[amg]

Lhasa, capital city of Tibet, aims to receive 3.8 million visitors and plans to earn 3.86 billion yuan (565 million U.S. dollars) from its tourism industry in 2010, according to the Lhasa Evening News.

In order to attain the goal, Lhasa will try to combine its tourism industry and cultural sector and improve the quality of tourist products.

The city will fully use its festivals, ornaments, architectures and sports with Tibetan characteristics to attract more visitors. In 2010, it will introduce new tourist services involving history and culture, natural scenery, folk customs and souvenir design competitions, as well as key tradtional tourist sites.

Lhasa will hold the 5th Namtso International Hiking Competition, an opportinity to promote its tourism industry this year. It will also promote its tourism via newspapers, TV channels and Internet in order to publicize its image and brand.

With better infrastructure and facilities, Lhasa hopes to improve the services of its key tourist sites, such as the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple.