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.
