Tourists queue for a visit to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The Tibet Autonomous Region received more than 10.58 million tourists last year, up 21.7 percent, statistics showed yesterday. The region's tourism revenue grew 30.3 percent to 12.65 billion yuan (US$2 billion) in 2012.(Photo/Agencies)

Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region witnessed booming tourism in 2012, with tourist arrivals hitting a record high of over 10 million thanks to improved transportation and government promotion.

The number of tourists visiting the region surged 21.7 percent year on year to 10.58 million, sources from the region's tourism bureau said.

Revenues for the tourism sector increased 30.3 percent year on year to 12.65 billion yuan (2 billion U.S. dollars), according to the sources.

Three national parks were opened in the region last year, adding to existing attractions, such as the Potala Palace.

The Tibetan government launched a series of campaigns to promote regional tourism in 2012. The region is home to 70 class-A national scenic spots, as well as 211 star-rated hotels.

Authorities expect to see 15 million tourists annually by 2015.