According to the regional culture and tourism department, Xizang's tourism sector raked in more than 1.7 billion yuan (about $240 million) -- an increase of 365 percent year-on-year.

 

A total of 130 inbound tourist groups from 35 countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia, were received by the region during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, the department added.

 

This year, the Tibetan New Year coincided with the Spring Festival, or the Lunar New Year, with both occurring on Feb 10.