Tibet open to foreign tourists once again

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-6-25  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TIBET will be re-opened to foreign tourists today after a stoppage of more than three months due to the March 14 riot in the regional capital of Lhasa, a local official said yesterday.

The first foreign tourists, two Swedes, would arrive in Lhasa today and another four from Singapore would be there on Sunday, said Tanor, deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Bureau of Tourism.

Tibet has been re-opened to mainland tour groups since April 23, followed by visitors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in May. As of June 20, the region had received more than 160 tour groups.

"The tourists experienced for themselves the stable situation, harmonious society and beautiful environment of Tibet," Tanor said.

"The success of the Olympic torch relay held three days ago in Lhasa demonstrated that the foundation for social stability has been further consolidated."

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao, told reporters in Beijing yesterday that Tibet would not change the policy of opening-up.

The regional government stopped issuing tourist permits to overseas travelers and the tourism authorities suggested travel agencies postpone tour groups in the wake of the riot. It cited safety concerns and the reconstruction of damaged tourist facilities at scenic spots.

Independent mainland travelers have not been prohibited from entering the region.

The March riot, involving violent crimes against ordinary people and property, was organized, premeditated and masterminded by the Dalai Lama clique.

The riot led to the deaths of at least 18 civilians and one policeman. It also left 382 civilians and 241 police officers injured, businesses looted and residences, shops and vehicles torched, according to the local government.

After three months, peace has gradually returned to Lhasa, with the resumption of schools, businesses and religious activities, as well as the re-opening of leading monasteries like Jokhang, Ramoche, Sera and Drepung.

"I don't worry about personal safety here at all. It's safe and the people are very friendly," a tourist surnamed Tseng from Taiwan, said last night.

Tibet has experienced a tourism boom in the past few years, especially since the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet railway on July 1, 2006.