The move is aimed at curbing the tourist industry's vicious price wars and helping to raise the quality of tourist service in the region, said industry experts.

Man Hongwei, deputy head of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Tourism Bureau, said the region has spent two years designing the package, entitled "Professionals guide your tours in Tibet".

According to Man, the newly-publicized tour package will meet the needs of first-time tourists, experienced tourists who have a preference for plateau lakes and old-hand tourists who like challenge and adventure.

Tibet, with its unique natural landscape, abounds in natural and religious tourist resources, however, the region's altitude has made it difficult for some to visit.

To attract more tourists, Tibet has also removed restrictions on overseas tourists, including the "letter of confirmation for tours to Tibet" for tourists from Hong Kong and Macao, and the requirement of five-member or above tour groups for foreign tourists, said the regional tourism official.

Tibet hosted 850,000 tourists last year and registered a dramatic increase in tourist revenue. Tourism has now grown into a leading business for the remote region.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2003)