Tibet Up-Close: Lhasa tourism growing in the fast lane

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With its high altitude and thin-air, Tibet might be a forbidding tourist destination. But with 30 million visitors last year, the regional capital city of Lhasa is betting on getting even more popular soon. CGTN's Sun Ye has the story.

Lhasa is going through a travel boom. So much that the demand is felt in its schools.

GONG XIAOTANG, PRINCIPAL LHASA SECOND SECONDARY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL "Majors in tourism, from hotel management, to local cuisines, have become the most popular. We are so in demand, that in busy seasons like now, our second-year students are asked to intern, as opposed the third-year ones."

The school boasts ONE HUNDRED PERCENT employment rate for its graduates. And its most heavily promoted majors are distinctly Tibetan. The principal says it's exactly what the market wants.

Tibet saw its number of visitors AND tourism revenue both jump 30 percent last year. And Lhasa is the inevitable and unique pit-stop when visiting the roof of the world.

PUBUSANGZHU, STUDENT LHASA SECOND SECONDARY VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL "I am a tourism major, and I consider it my mission to tell everyone about how beautiful Tibet is, about its history and culture."

The 17-year-old, who comes from the small town Mozhugongka, says he has already decided to stay and work in Lhasa.

At 27, hotelier JIANGBADELUO says he is sure things will get even better. As he showcased the only room available on a sunny Thursday afternoon.

JIANGBADELUO OWNER, NUOJI HOTEL "I feel Lhasa is in a fast lane right now. Everyone is coming here. There are many favorable policies, and there are so many chances."

As the city braces for the hottest summer in decades. Those in the tourism business hope that the heat for the region will hold. SY, CGTN, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION.