Efforts are intensifying to promote outdoor sports in the Xizang autonomous region, with both local and international experts envisioning it as a key driver of economic growth.
During the recent 4th China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation held in Nyingchi, discussions focused on harnessing Xizang’s abundant natural resources, such as high-altitude snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, lakes, and vast grasslands, to foster the outdoor sports industry.
Pan Shihua, assistant to the president of China Sports Industry, emphasized the region’s potential for developing outdoor sports. “The robust growth of outdoor sports in Xizang is gaining prominence,” he remarked, highlighting its role in stimulating consumer spending.
Activities like camping, rafting, skiing, and hiking have consistently been popular according to Mafengwo, an online travel platform.
Pan suggested that Xizang could become a global hub for outdoor sports, advocating for a focus on mountain sports to establish its reputation as a premier destination for mountain-based outdoor activities. He also proposed creating a comprehensive mountain sports event system, including international competitions and local events.
In recent years, Xizang has made strides in building a complete mountain climbing industry chain, including the establishment of a mountaineering guide school, adventure service agencies, and hosting various events to attract attention both domestically and internationally.
At the forum, Xizang signed a framework agreement with Nepal to enhance cooperation in high-altitude mountaineering.
Serge Louis Koenig, foreign affairs director of France’s National School of Mountain Sports, drew comparisons between Xizang’s mountains and the Alps. He noted that Xizang’s higher altitudes naturally limit mass tourism and its environmental impacts.
To cater to tourists’ recreational interests, Koenig recommended diversifying leisure activities year-round, including land, water, and air activities. Drawing on France’s experience, he proposed that Lhasa could host a major trail running event covering a 200-kilometer course, linking ten historic monasteries with a total elevation gain equivalent to the height of Qomolangma (Mount Everest).
These discussions underscore Xizang’s potential to emerge as a leading global destination for outdoor sports, emphasizing sustainable growth and international collaboration in mountain sports development.