A visitor poses for photos in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, July 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Trip.com Group, China's largest online travel agency, has inked a strategic cooperation deal with Xigaze in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region to promote local tourism, the group said.

According to the contract, Trip.com Group will participate in formulating a three-year action plan for the high-quality development of the culture and tourism industry in Xigaze.

Both sides will jointly build a smart tourism system in the city, including a smart tourism service platform, smart tourist attractions, and smart travel agencies.

They will jointly promote diversified tours, and facilitate the cooperation between online and offline sales channels.

Key cultural and tourism projects will be developed to promote the local economy, upgrade tourism facilities and boost employment.

Trip.com Group will also cooperate with local schools to train drivers, tour guides and hotel staff to support the city's tourism development.

James Liang, executive chairman of Trip.com Group, said Xigaze boasts rich and diversified cultural resources and has great tourism potential.