Tibet, an area in the Tibetan plateau region of Asia, is a hot target for China as it seeks to expand the tourism sector to become a leading source of economic development in the region.

The region's tourism sector is still at a low due to the political and religious conflict experienced in 2008. Its strict foreign visit policy is said to be another factor of such performance as it inhibits tourists from making it a destination.

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The tourism sector represents more than 20 percent of the region's GDP with a total of 320,000 jobs. The GDP is projected to hit a five percent increase with 500,000 employment opportunities generated.

At the Tibet International Tourism and Culture Expo, Chinese authorities paid a visit to shed more light on the future of the tourism sector in the region.

Both Beijing and Tibet governments estimate that a total of 24 million tourists are set to visit by yearend, thereby earnings may reach a total of 19.35 billion yuan ($2.9B).

The figure is expected to increase by 2020 to nearly 35M, bringing revenue of 49.4 billion yuan ($7.44B).

An infrastructure boost is also anticipated in the region, as large luxury hotels are now being built. The Intercontinental, Marriott and St Regis are a few of the already developed hotels.

Tibet Tourism and Development Commission Deputy Director Wang Songping pointed out in his remarks that tourism is a vital asset to the economy of the region.

International Campaign for Tibet presidenMatteo Mecacci added that tourism is on the development agenda for the region

"Tourism in Tibet is an integral part of the strategic and economic objectives of China," he said "Tibetans should be the primary beneficiaries of tourism explosion in the region."

Tagschina, Tibet, Tibet International Tourism and Cultural Expo, China Tibet Tourism Sector