XINHUA is the official news agency of the People's Republic of China

LHASA (Dec. 29) XINHUA - The Visit China '97 campaign is to reach for the sky by promoting holidays on the world's highest plateau.

The regional branch of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in Tibet is to play its part in the country's endeavor to boost tourism on the plateau in Tibet, a local official said.

The plan is part of Visit China '97, a nationwide tourism promotion drive to appeal to travelers from around the world. The local air transport management body has pledged to improve its facilities and upgrade its services.

In a bid to fulfill its promise, CAAC's Tibetan branch plans to improve computerized booking services on flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu in Nepal.

The branch will set public transport service standards and train its personnel. A booking office for package-holiday tourists has been set up in Lhasa, with telephone booking and ticket delivery.

For years tourists have rushed in and out of Tibet during popular holiday seasons, worsening the already bottleneck air transport system. The official said the management body will coordinate with airlines to add flights connecting Tibet and other places.

In addition the ground service should be perfected to guarantee air transport safety and normal operations, he said.