China plans huge tourism project in Tibet capital

[ahfatzia]

China on Sunday started work on a $4.8-billion tourism project in Lhasa city, state media said, as it seeks to draw more travelers to the restive Tibet region. The massive development in the regional capital will include a theme park, commercial district and residential area. Construction on the first phase of the planned project, about two kilometres (just over a mile) from downtown Lhasa, will take three to five years.Other features of the development include centres for highlighting Tibetan arts and customs.
Last year, 8.5 million tourists visited Tibet, up more than 24 percent from 2010, official figures showed. The regional government is targeting 10 million visitors this year, producing tourism revenue of 12 billion yuan, the government has said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/301545/china-plans-huge-tourism-project-in-tibet-capital


This is only one of numerous projects the Central Government has had for the region and I'm sure more will come. The question is: did the average Tibetans ever received this kind of largess from their former regional overlords in the past millenniums.

 

[Fanling Monk]

I hope I can see some of the new developments next summer when I and some friends are taking a bicycle trip from Chengdu up to Lhasa. Someday it might be the 'paradise on top of the world'

 

[S10]

Tibet needs to develop its economy and stand on its feet. It costs rest of China billions each year to keep it up. Mining, oil and tourism industries need to be put on the fast track.