SHENZHEN -- A travel company based in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region got listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Thursday.

Western Regions Tourism Development Co Ltd established in 2001, was the first joint-stock tourism development enterprise approved by the regional government. It is also a large state holding enterprise engaged in comprehensive tourism development in Xinjiang.

The company provides tourism services to several key scenic spots in the region, including top-rated Tianchi Lake of the Tianshan Mountains.

"The listing marks a new starting point. We will make full use of the sustained financing capability of the capital market and continuously optimize the layout of our business to increase our core competitiveness," said Wu Kenian, chairman of the company.

The listing of the company can boost regional tourism and promote the exploitation of tourism resource to improve the quality of the industry, according to Zhou Xiaohua, deputy head of Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, where the company is based.

Known for its breathtaking scenic beauty and exotic customs, Xinjiang has seen a booming tourism industry in recent years.