Tibet Receives Support to Become Major World Travel Destination

China’s top tourism authority will help the country’s Tibet Autonomous Region to become a major world travel destination.

Potala Palace Lhasa

According to a cooperative agreement signed Oct. 19 between the National Tourism Administration (NTA) and the government of Tibet, the NTA will expand assistance to Tibet and help the region further open up its tourism market.

The NTA will promote the opening of direct flights to Tibet’s capital city Lhasa from the other provincial capitals in the country and some overseas cities, according to the agreement.

Lhasa Gongga Airport, Tibet China

The NTA will also support brand-building in Tibet’s tourist industry and carry out promotional tourism campaigns.

Tibet is often referred to as the “Rooftop of the World”. It spans the world’s largest and, with average heights of over 4,000 m, also the world’s highest plateau.

For travelers, Tibet is without doubt one of the most fascinating destinations to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains, and likeable locals you will ever meet.

(Source: Xinhuanet)

Tibet Re-opened to Foreign Tourists from July 25, 2011

Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) has started to accept the application of travel Permit on July 25, 2011. Foreign tourists would be allowed to get into Tibet again. Easy Tour China got and confirmed the news from a Tibet agency officially.

magnificent Potala Palace with red and white walls

Tibet closed its door from June 25th to July 25th, when all foreigner tourists had been barred from entering Tibet. The ban was said to be issued due to two Grand ceremonies – the 60th anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet on 1951, as well as the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party on 1921. It was the second lock-down on foreign travel in Tibet in 2011.

Tibet is the only region of China for which foreign tourists must secure a special travel permit, in addition to a Chinese visa. Before entering Tibet, foreign tourists are required to apply for the Tibet Entry Permit (also called TTB permit) from Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Without it, foreigners can't buy the air or train tickets to enter Tibet. It is also an essential document to go to Tibet by car as there are checkpoints on the way.

Tibetan pilgrim in Barkhor Street

Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet, the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Easy Tour China, as one of the leading China tour operators, can help foreign tourists to get the permit.