Tibet reopens its doors to tourists

Tibet, which has been hermetically sealed by Chinese authorities since unrest broke out last month, will once again open its doors to foreigners, starting on May 1st, 2008. Chinese officials made the announcement this morning, but did not specify if they would permit international journalists to travel there as well. Those travelling in groups, as well as tourists arriving on their own are both welcome to visit after May 1st, which in China and through much of the world is a public holiday, in commemoration of labour.

Chinese authorities first barred foreign tourists from visiting Tibet when protests against the region’s domination by Communist China resulted in violence, on March 14, 2008. At least 138 Tibetan protesters are believed to have been killed during the demonstrations and the subsequent crackdown on the part of Chinese authorities.

Tibet has long been one of the top destinations in China for tourists who visit the world’s most populous country. Tibet, in fact, is in the same league with the most prominent attraction, namely the Great Wall. Many foreigners are drawn to Tibet by the legendary Himalaya Mountains, as well as by the culture of Buddhism that has traditionally existed in this land. Thanks to the opening of a new railway link between Beijing and towns in Tibet, the number of visitors has grown significantly. Tibet may also be popular once the Olympic Games get underway, as the Olympic Torch will make its way to this land on at least two occasions, including once to the top of Mount Everest.