60.5 billion GDP :Tibet reports double-digit GDP growth

Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region reported double-digit gross domestic product growth for the 19th consecutive year in 2011, the regional government chairman said.

Tibet's GDP is estimated to expand by 12.6 percent year-on-year to 60.5 billion yuan ($9.6 billion) this year, Padma Choling told the annual regional economic work conference.

The per capita disposal income for urban population rose at an estimated annual pace of 7.8 percent. Meanwhile, the per capita net earning for farmers and herdsmen climbed 13.6 percent year-on-year, the ninth year for double-digit growth, said Padma Choling.

Local authorities continued to build roads and bring water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, radio and television, and postal service to remote regions this year, he said.

With the fast-paced GDP development in Tibet, the living standard of local people is becoming much better than before. The Tibetan grandma is using solar power equipment to heat water. [Photo/Xinhua]

8.5 million tourists:Tibet sees 33% tourism growth in 2011

Tibet received 8.5 million tourists and earned a tourism revenue of 9.5 billion yuan in 2011，an annual increase of 24.1 percent and 33 percent respectively.

Festival has been the biggest attraction towards tourists from home and abroad. The week-long Shoton Festival in summer, the peak travel season, alone drew 906,400 tourists to Tibet.

As tourism is a pillar industry for Tibet, the regional authorities have set a target of attracting 15 million tourists in 2015 with tourism revenue of 18 billion yuan.

A girl (R) tries a pair of earrings in a shop on Barkhor Street in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 24, 2011. A large number of tourists poured into Tibet during the summer season, as the region is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its peaceful liberation.[Photo/Xinhua]