County to make tourist trade benefit Tibetans

Dingri county of the Tibet autonomous region has been making efforts to turn the scenery zone of Qomolangma (Mount Everest) into an ecological, cultural, smart, harmonious and beautiful tourism site in recent years.

The county aims to achieve its high-quality development goal by integrating cultural resources with tourism and creating opportunities for the local rural residents to benefit from tourism.

With an average altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, Tashizom township is about 49 kilometers from the world's highest mountain — Qomolangma — and it is a must-pass passage to get there. Every year, thousands of people, including tourists, climbers and scientific explorers pass on their way to the mountain.

However, for a long time in the past, inadequate infrastructure combined with the long travel distance, have prevented residents from financially benefiting from the rich resources associated with the mountain.

The local government also has been working on ways to help residents benefit from the tourism sector in recent years. Investment has been poured in infrastructure to improve public infrastructure facilities, transportation, energy and communication, all of which have combined to offset the dearth of tourists.

Official statistics reflect that from July this year, the northern gate of Qomolangma Scenery Site received more than 249,400 visitors, generating revenues of nearly 36 million yuan ($4.9 million). Meanwhile, the county received more than 420,000 visits of tourists during the period, and tourism revenue surpassed 210 million yuan.

Kelsang Thaye, a resident of Tashizom, said he returned to his hometown to start a tourism-related business after finishing college years ago, and he thought Qomolangma provided a good platform.

Since 2020, Kelsang Thaye operated a restaurant, ethnic culture performance hall and a hotel with the support the local government, and he employed many local residents to work in his businesses.

Dingri county has 120 hotels, hostels, and tent camping sites, with more than 310 people engaged in hotel businesses, including 250 locals, who have been employed in catering and markets in all over the county's townships and villages.