SCIO briefing on Xizang Autonomous Region's economic and social development achievements over 60 years

Jimu News:

Xizang Autonomous Region is currently promoting high-level opening up and expanding foreign exchanges and cooperation. What specific measures and plans is Xizang implementing to establish itself as a major global tourist destination? Thank you.

Wang Junzheng:

Thank you for your question. I'd like to invite Mr. Gama Cedain to provide an answer.

Gama Cedain:

Thank you for the question. Xizang has a long history and brilliant culture, with unique natural scenery and rich cultural resources. It is both a vital area for preserving the distinctive culture of the Chinese nation and a major world tourist destination, with unparalleled advantages for developing the cultural tourism industry. Since the 10th Xizang Autonomous Regional Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have prioritized supporting cultural tourism industry development, deepened institutional reforms, introduced a series of policy measures, and facilitated the implementation of numerous cultural tourism projects. The region's cultural tourism industry has demonstrated vigorous development momentum. In 2024, Xizang's cultural industry output value grew 23.8%, while the region welcomed 63.89 million domestic and international visitors, up 15.8%. Inbound tourist arrivals surged 188.2%. In the first half of this year, the region welcomed 32.1848 million domestic and international visitors, up 11.7% year on year.

In establishing Xizang as a key world tourism destination, we continually review our practices, learn from successful examples, and actively expand international communication and cooperation. We are exploring ways to shift Xizang's tourism sector from sightseeing to cultural tourism, from scenic tours to immersive leisure experiences, and from relying on ticket sales to developing a full tourism industry.

First, we prioritize strategic planning. We take a comprehensive approach, considering natural resources, cultural assets, regional advantages, industrial layout and supporting infrastructure. We are integrating the cultural and tourism industries with broader socioeconomic development. Moreover, we are pursuing high-standard, forward-looking planning for the sector.

Second, we promote integrated development. We are combining Xizang's stunning natural landscapes with its unique cultural heritage, tapping deeply into cultural resources, and strengthening the development of intangible cultural heritage sites. We've created a series of distinctive cultural tourism destinations, including Thangka villages, woodcarving villages and incense-producing counties. We've also launched a range of high-quality travel routes and tourism products that showcase the integration of culture and tourism.

Third, we uphold a people-centered approach. Focusing on the six key elements of "catering, lodging, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment," Xizang is upgrading its tourism products and supply models, building supporting facilities, improving scenic spots, enriching cultural tourism consumption scenarios, and optimizing regional transportation networks. These efforts aim to enable tourists to stay longer, enjoy themselves, and shop with ease.

Fourth, we pursue win-win cooperation. We are continuously improving the business environment, advancing intercity tourism coordination within the region, promoting interprovincial and international tourism cooperation, and aligning our tourism services with global standards.

Fifth, we ensure tourism benefits the public. The cultural tourism industry is a major industry closely tied to people's livelihoods. We strongly support grassroots cultural and art groups, encourage cultural organizations at all levels to take part in cultural tourism, and promote the production and sales of signature cultural and tourism products. These efforts aim to expand employment, raise incomes, and help people achieve prosperity.

We warmly welcome friends from home and abroad to visit Xizang. Come and see its beautiful scenery, experience its rich culture firsthand, and witness the development and changes of a new modern socialist Xizang. Thank you.