LHASA, CHINA, August 9, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Great Tibet Tour is pleased to announce the significant increase in the Tibet tour industry in the first half of 2024 (January to June). According to the latest statistics, the main countries of origin of tourists were the United States, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. These data reflect the growing global attractiveness of Tibet as a tourist destination. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Tibet Autonomous Region, a total of 16,610 tourists came to Tibet in the first quarter of 2024, an increase of 525.6% year-on-year. Detailed figures for the second quarter have yet to be released. This success is due to the comprehensive effect of many factors, such as supportive policies, convenient transportation and abundant tourism resources in Tibet.
At the beginning of 2024, the Chinese government introduced more visa-free policies and several measures to facilitate entry, resulting in a stable increase in the number of foreigners traveling to China for tourism and business purposes. About 14.635 million foreigners entered China through various ports, an increase of 152.7% year-on-year. Of these, 8.542 million entered China without a visa, accounting for 52% of the total, an increase of 190.1% year-on-year. According to the National Immigration Administration, inbound tourism is expected to continue its upward trend in the second half of 2024. This significant growth is mainly due to a series of visa-free measures introduced in late 2023 and early 2024 for major European and Southeast Asian countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. These practical policies have also greatly shortened the time and steps for foreign visitors traveling to Tibet.
At the same time, the resumption of international air services and improved transportation conditions have enhanced connectivity. Tibet’s transportation infrastructure has been continuously improved, greatly improving the accessibility of air, rail and road travel, allowing more tourists to easily reach Tibet and enjoy its natural and cultural attractions. Himalaya Airlines has resumed and added several international flights, significantly increasing passenger traffic, including international flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Nepal. In addition, there has also been an increase in domestic flights between Tibet and other Chinese cities. According to the forecast of the Civil Aviation Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the international passenger market is expected to recover rapidly this year. Weekly flights are expected to reach around 6,000 by the end of 2024, recovering to about 80% of pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the ongoing expansion of highways and railways from Lhasa continues to improve. The Lhasa-Shigatse Expressway was officially opened on June 30, 2024, saving travelers a lot of time.
Tibet offers unique tourism resources. The most popular attractions and routes for foreign tourists in Tibet are Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, Everest Base Camp and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. These places offer a blend of the mysticism of Tibetan Buddhism and the stunning scenery of the Tibetan Plateau. International tourists traveling to Tibet should first register with a local Tibetan travel agent. Your travel agent can help you obtain the Tibet Travel Permit required to board flights or trains to Lhasa. Different itineraries require different permits, which may take a month or less to process, so please book your Tibet tour in advance. For special requests, please email us at (email protected).
Great Tibet Tour is a Lonely Planet recommended Tibet travel agency. Since 2005 we have been planning and organizing tours in Tibet, from the standard Lhasa city tour to adventurous Tibet trekking tours. Great Tibet Tour wants you to have a worry-free Tibet vacation by being your rock and calmly and reliably taking care of all the necessary formalities so that all you have to do is enjoy traveling in a foreign and exotic country.
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