Travel agencies have been ordered to stop arranging trips to Tibet for foreigners in order to apparently “secure safe passage” for the Olympic torch to Mount Everest in May. The decision reverses last week’s announcement by tourism officials that Tibet would reopen to foreigners on May 1.
The Globe and Mail has posted more information provided by an employee of the Tibet China Youth Travel Service.
“We received the emergency notice from the tourism bureau that, considering the safety of the torch which will go to Mount Everest in May, agencies are not allowed to receive tourist groups and foreign tourists,”
It was also added that the decision will adversely affect China’s business and tourism market. The torch to mainland China will start off in May and continue on to many other cities until June. The second torch will be taken to Mount Everest by another relay.
However, there are no guaranties that there won’t be any problems.The International Herald Tribune posts the statement of Tibet’s governor Champa Phuntsok.
“I have no doubt that Tibetan independence activists will seek to create trouble during the Tibet leg of the Olympic relay.”
He also claimed that special security measures were being taken, but didn’t give any details. Meanwhile, protesters and activists in Istanbul, Paris, London and San Francisco have been demonstrating against the latest decision as well as China’s human rights record.
Photo:© Pet_r
No related posts.