Lhasa Netsang: Tourism opens up way to poverty alleviation

Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has long been famous for its distinct cultural relics and breathtaking natural scenery. As the regional government is making EFFORTS to enhance the land's charm as a tourist destination at the Third Pole of the world, Tibet has seen an increasing number of tourists.

Potala Palace in Lhasa is one of the famous tourist attractions. /VCG Photo

In 2018, more than 30 million tourists visited Tibet, up 31.5 percent year on year, according to the latest figures. It is the first time that the number has exceeded 30 million.

The major achievement is inseparable from the government's EFFORTS in setting up various supporting mechanisms in terms of policy, projects and funding. “Lhasa Netsang” is one of the major programs for enhancing Tibetan tourism and poverty alleviation.

"Lhasa Netsang"is a start-up program launched by Lhasa government in 2017, aiming to boost the homestay industry by fully integrating the vacant housing resources of the local residents. By setting up boutique homestays in spare houses, it not only drives local employment but brings revenues to low-income families.

The Siji Jixiang Village in Chushur county, a relocation community for poverty alleviation, is one of the pilot areas of the program. The village committee provides 14 houses for homestay business. Encouraging local residents to operate and manage the business themselves, the program will teach them how to start their own homestay business ultimately.

The interior decoration of a homestay in Siji Jixiang Village. /Screenshot

The “Lhasa Netsang” Program aims to establish 300 homestays in Lhasa surrounding districts and counties in five years, forming a long-acting industry chain to take lead in poverty reduction.