During the National Day Golden Week, Tibet received 2.9423 million domestic and foreign tourists
During the recent Golden Week in October, Tibet saw an impressive influx of 2.94 million tourists, both domestic and international, resulting in a remarkable tourism revenue of 1.536 billion yuan, which represents a 2.81% increase from the previous year.
As the National Day holiday came to a close, Tibet experienced its last major travel surge of the year, showcasing strong numbers. According to the Tibet Autonomous Region’s Department of Culture and Tourism, from October 1 to 7, the region accommodated 2.9423 million visitors, reflecting a 3.15% year-over-year growth, while total tourism spending rose by 2.81%.
Trip.com Group reported a significant wave of tourists arriving in Tibet on October 1, the holiday’s first day, primarily from major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Meanwhile, local residents showed a keen interest in traveling to popular destinations like Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, and Beijing. Within Tibet, landmark sites like the Potala Palace, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Namtso Lake, and Everest Base Camp drew the most visitors, with Potala Palace tickets being particularly difficult to obtain. Mr. Zhao from Beijing shared his experience: “We started booking our Potala Palace tickets back in early September. Thankfully, we managed to secure them at the last minute, and it was definitely worth the trip.”
In the Shigatse region, the area’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural traditions attracted countless visitors, leading to a thriving tourism service industry. The Wangrun Hotel, a garden-style state-owned hotel in Shigatse, reported an impressive 85% occupancy rate during the holiday. To enhance guest convenience, they provided shuttle services for visitors. This bustling hotel scene exemplifies the overall vitality of Tibet’s tourism sector.
Lhasa, as the primary hub for many travelers to Tibet, also witnessed considerable tourist activity during this holiday period. In order to promote a positive travel environment, the Lhasa Cultural and Tourism Development Bureau worked in collaboration with various departments to carry out special inspections of the cultural and tourism market prior to the holiday. These checks were focused on ensuring that hotels and travel agencies were operating legally, adhering to contractual obligations, and preventing false advertising. They also ensured that hotels classified as three-star or above met safety production standards, prioritizing the rights and safety of tourists during their travels.
“This is my first stop in Tibet, and it’s also my last before I head home,” said Ms. Xu from Jiangsu. “Before I came, I did my research and checked the ‘Red List’ of travel agencies published by the Lhasa Cultural Tourism Bureau. I booked a group tour with a reputable agency and had a fantastic experience. I would definitely recommend Tibet to my friends in the future!”