LHASA, July 2 -- Lhasa, capital of Tibet, welcomed 41,804 international tourists in the first six months this year, 127 percent more than the same period last year.

Overall, the city hosted about 2.8 million tourists from January to June. During this period tourists spent 3.3 billion yuan (about 539.5 million U.S. dollars), a year on year growth of 20 percent, according to the Lhasa Tourism Bureau on Thursday.

Tourism revenue accounts for over 20 percent of the region's GDP. More tourists are expected in the June-to-September high season period.

The Tibet Tourism Authority launched a safety campaign at the beginning of this year, after 60 people, most of whom were tourists, were killed in two separate incidents in August 2014.

The campaign included the inspection of travel agencies across the region.

The Hurun Report, a monthly magazine best known for its annual rich list, found that for China's high-net worth travellers Tibet was one of the most desirable destinations.

Visitor numbers to Tibet exceeded 15 million visitors last year. This year, the number is expected to hit 17 million in 2015 as local-level governments improve services and develop family inns (homestay) in rural areas.