Tourism trumps terrorism in Xinjiang

Traditional activities, such as the goat-snatching competition, remain an important part of local life. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Xinjiang, during the first four months of last year, tried to buoy the industry by introducing 500 yuan ($80) coupons for shopping, hotels and attractions for group travelers from 19 provinces. The dispersed vouchers' total value was 20 million yuan, media quote the region's government as saying.

Despite a spike around the Lunar New Year, the first quarter is tourism's low season in the autonomous region and the country.

Xinjiang will especially focus on promoting tourism in its southern swath－a vital ancient Silk Road artery－that today hosts traditional ethnic Uygur culture. Southern Xinjiang endured the most difficulty luring guests last year because most attacks happened there.

Extremism has since been curtailed. But not eradicated.

Visits to southern Xinjiang's Tashi Kuergan Tajik autonomous county in Kashgar prefecture increased from January through May by 13 percent year-on-year. About 110,500 visits generated 14 million yuan, an 11 percent spending increase.