The first direct flight connecting Shanghai and Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, will start on Thursday, which is expected to drive local tourism boom.

Shanghai-based carrier China Eastern Airlines will operate the flight every Thursday and Sunday between May 1 and Oct 25, according to local news portal Shanghai Observer.

A series of cultural and tourism promotional measures have been announced for the second quarter, including a package of 12 million yuan ($1.65 million) subsidies targeting group travel, hotels, scenic spots and air tickets.

Shigatse saw record tourists and rapid growth in tourism revenue in the past two years. The chartered flight launched in 2024 between Shanghai and Shigatse via Kathmandu, Nepal, has transported more than 1,500 passenger trips with 15 chartered flights to date.