The tourism industry in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is gradually recovering from the deadly July 5 riots.

A senior regional official says that tourism will reach a "new peak" during the National Day holiday next month.

Kurax Mahsut, vice-chairman of the regional government of Xinjiang made the remarks at a press conference Wednesday in Beijing.

He cited the example of the recently opened 18th Urumqi Trade Fair in the region's capital city.

"The situation is stabilizing and tourism is recovering as was demonstrated by the successful hosting of the 18th Urumqi Trade Fair. There was no decrease in the number of participants at the fair. In addition to those previously registered, many business people came from other countries and regions."

According to the regional government, the annual trade fair has attracted more than 500 overseas businessmen from 29 countries and regions, including Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It also attracted many business people from 21 inland provinces and municipalities.

The official also pointed out that the region has seen rapid economic development with its GDP rising to 420 billion yuan, or about 60 billion dollars, a thousand times more than 60 years ago.

The volume of natural gas production in the region also tops the list in China.

Meanwhile, also at the press conference, Executive Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Pelma Trile, explained how the economy has also been booming in his area, thanks mainly to two large leaps forward.

"The first was to leap from feudal serfdom to a socialist society, which was also a historic leap for the social system in Tibet. And the other has been the improvement in people's lives. As a Tibetan, I'm very proud to experience these major changes and enjoy the benefits of them."

Concerning relations among different ethnic groups, the official noted that more than 40 ethnic groups in Tibet have developed a united, equitable and harmonious relationship.

(CRI September 4, 2009)