Tibet to host third international tourism, culture expo

Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region, will host the third international tourism and culture expo in early September, the regional information office announced at a news conference on Wednesday.

The first expo was held in 2014 as part of efforts to promote Tibet's tourism industry and preserve its culture.

This year's expo will be held under the theme "Sacred Place on Earth, Heavenly Land in Tibet" between Sept 10 and 16.

Approved by the State Council, and co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, the National Tourism Administration, and the autonomous regional government, the expo will include 10 activities.

"More than 1,500 guests including State officials, foreign dignitaries, groups and representatives of other provinces are invited to the expo," said Yang Rui, deputy secretary-general of the regional government.

Foreign representatives from the World Tourism Organization, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and the World Tourism Cities Federation had been invited, Yang said.

Wang Wenpei, deputy secretary-general of the regional government, said the expo would gradually become an important window on Tibet.

"It is a stage for ethnic groups to exchange and communicate, and it will be a driving force to accelerate the economy and society of Tibet," said Wang.