BEIJING, Sep 2, 1996 (Reuter) - China will develop Tibet's tourism industry in a bid to attract 60,000 foreign tourists to the restive Himalayan region in 2000, the China News Service said Monday.

Authorities aimed to earn $30 million in foreign exchange from tourism in 2000, the agency quoted Zhou Lizong, head of the Tibet Tourism Bureau, as saying.

The impoverished region would improve its roads, build holiday resorts, develop mountain climbing, hold car rallies and other activities to attract more visitors, Zhou said.

Foreign travellers say they are often denied permission to visit Tibet, which is frequently rocked by protests against Chinese rule and crackdowns by Beijing on monasteries and temples.