Tibet reopens for tourists
LHASA – Among sources reporting the reopening of Tibet’s borders to overseas tourists, China Daily reports the news under the somewhat disingenuous headline, “Happy Days Here Againâ€.
There are many in Tibet who might dispute that view of the state of the nation.
Tibet reopened to tourists three months after the Chinese government banned visits by foreigners in the wake of violent anti-government riots and protests.
The first group of foreign tourists, from Sweden, arrived this week, said Tibetan Tourism Bureau spokesman Liao Lisheng.
China clamped down on visitors to Tibet and areas in nearby provinces with sizeable Tibetan populations after the March violence, citing the safety of foreign tourists and journalists.
But a notice on the tourism bureau’s web site said life in Lhasa had returned to normal, noting the June 21 Olympic torch relay “provided a more solid foundation for a stable societyâ€.
Four tourists from Singapore will arrive on Sunday, Tanor, deputy director of the bureau, told a press conference on Tuesday.
According to Tanor, the region has now restored all its attractions.
Tibet has regained social order with the resumption of schools, businesses and religious activities, as well as the reopening of leading monasteries such as Jokhang, Ramoche, Sera and Drepung, Tanor said.
The March violence and the subsequent tourist ban have taken a major toll on Lhasa’s economy, which has grown increasingly reliant on tourism since the start of a rail service from China nearly two years ago.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026