Tibet, a part of the new Shangri-La tourism zone

As part of the China's "Twelfth Five Year Plan" (from 2011 to 2015), the Shangri-La tourism zone has covered Diqing in Yunnan Province, Qamdo Prefecture in Tibet, Garze Tibetan Prefecture, Sichuan Province and Yushu County in northwest Qinghai Province included.
A partnership mechanism will be established to reduce tourism barrier and entry restrictions, offering more convenience for tourists and supports for cross- regional tourist companies.Travel agencies are encouraged to expand branches and run independently within the district, in forms of equity participation, joint venture, merger, and output of tourism brands.

Tibet is striving to be one of the world's top travel destinations by 2015, the establishment of Shangri-La tourist zone is among one of the specific steps towards this goal.