Tourists from Mexico dressed in Tibetan costumes take photos in the Jokhang Temple Square. [Photo/IC]

Xizang autonomous region's tourism industry has seen remarkable growth in 2025, with international tourism revenue reaching $158 million in the first three quarters — a 27.24 percent increase year-on-year.

According to the region's department of culture and tourism, Xizang welcomed 63.71 million visitors from January to September, up 11.21 percent compared to the same period last year. This included 356,700 inbound tourists, a 33.45 percent surge, and 63.35 million domestic travelers, up 11.11 percent.

Total tourism spending in this period hit 73.67 billion yuan ($10.32 billion), reflecting a 9.87 percent rise. September alone saw 5.74 million visitors, including 64,400 inbound tourists, generating $33 million in international tourism revenue.

From Oct 1 to 8, the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Xizang received 3.76 million visitors, contributing 1.94 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Major attractions saw strong attendance: Potala Palace (51,600 visitors), Namtso Lake (23,700), Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon (17,900), Basum Tso (28,400), and Tashilhunpo Monastery (6,408).

Xizang has already surpassed its full-year 2024 figures for both number of inbound tourists and international tourism revenue, which stood at 320,400 visitors and $150 million, respectively.

A tourist from Ukraine dressed in Tibetan costumes take photos on Barkhor Street. [Photo/IC]