The Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China has reported a marked increase in visitors over recent months, the latest statistics have shown.

According to the regional tourism administration, Tibet hosted over 192,000 tourists from home and abroad during the "Golden Week" period, which was from Oct. 1-7, a rise of 18 percent over the same time last year.

The region earned 62.68 million yuan (US$7.58 million) from tourism in the same week, 17.6 percent more than that for the corresponding week last year.

Tibet closed its doors to tourists in April due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in some Chinese provinces and cities early this year. The region reopened to visitors on July 1.

Statistics show that Tibet received 260,000 tourists from home and abroad in August alone, up 20.5 percent over the corresponding period of last year.

Zhao Shujuan, an official with the regional tourism bureau, described the fast recovery of Tibet's tourism as "unexpectedly good."

A survey showed that Tibet is among the top 10 provinces and regions in China domestic tourists want to visit.

The region boasts rich tourism resources, with three places included on the World Cultural Heritage list.

By the end of 2002, Tibet had 45 international and national travel agencies, 111 hotels which were allowed to host foreigners and four automobile tour companies. 
 
(People's Daily October 21, 2003)