The Basum Lake Tourist Development Company that runs the tourist spot says it employs nearly 40 people, from several villages, working as guards, cleaners, and lake cruise skippers.[Photo by Liu Xiangrui/China Daily]

"Technology has made communication much easier, and we can draw on that to better promote our hotels and other products online," Pasang Norbu says.

Many villagers who offer accommodation are promoting themselves online and providing online booking, he says.

Norbu says that as tourism grows, transport has improved continuously, even though roads need further upgrading to draw more tourists, particularly those with their own vehicles.

"The growth in tourism does not just mean more money; more importantly it opens our eyes and exposes us to learning and exchanging with visitors from various places."

Nyima Chodron, 22, a college student who is studying in Liaoning province, says she has seen great changes in her hometown wrought by tourist development in recent years.

Her home village of Pai town is in the heart of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and right under Namjagbarwa Peak.

It used to be a poor, isolated village, but it has grown, particularly because of tourism, Chodron says.