Will tourists allowed to visit Tibet in year 2009?

We received an urgent notice from Tibet tourism bureau; we were told to cancel or postpone our customers travel plans to Tibet in March. We were told that "Tibet may be open in April". With great disappointment, we send emails to our confirmed clients as follows:

"We are very sad to have to inform you that we are unable to complete your travel arrangement to enable you to go Tibet (as part of your China Tour package) in March. We have just been informed that the Tibetan Government is concerned about possibility of unrest during this time and will not issue entry permits for tourist (those who have received the Tibet Permit will not allowed to enter Tibet either during said period). They want to be sure that travelers are safe while in Tibet and therefore because of this uncertainty this decision has been made. We apologize, but there is nothing that we can do to change this decision.

We will certainly do all we can to assist in modifying the tour arrangements to suit your needs and if you decide to cancel your tour we will arrange a full refund of any money paid to us, even if this results in a loss to China Highlights.

We are uncertain when entry permits will be available but we are more than happy to rebook you tour at a later date if this is suitable for you."

Tourism has been a big income for local Tibetans, but it was closed also in year 2008 for tourists. We don't know how long Tibet will be closed for tourists this year, David, one of China Highlights destination travel manager, had more inside stories.

"Feb 23 to March 2 is the New Year holiday for Tibetans. I checked with a few travel agencies there in Tibet to ask for their opinions, none of them knew how long Tibet will be closed for western tourists. Some travel agencies have not canceled their customers travel plans in May to Tibet. Grand Circle travel from the USA had trips to Tibet (OAT) every year, but it looks like that they are considering to modifying their destination."

"There are some positive news about Tibet travel,, it is said that the local municipal government has spend more money to develop travel project to enhance and to restore travel businesses in Tibet in year 2009 on Tibet Tourism Bureau web sites. First Highway between Lhasa airports to the city is in planning stage, direct flight between Lanzhou and Lhasa maybe opens this year too."

"However, it looks more serious from the news on the official web site of Lhasa Government; it says that 'it is the first priority to carry out the work of anti-secession.' 'At the anniversary time of March 14 events, we shall not be exclusive of people who has ulterior motive, will travel to destroy the peace of our country, we have to be well prepared'"

"It is a policy for hotels to have their customers to be registered with personal details in China, lately, three hotels received fine from Public Security Bureau for not having their clients to register".

We hope that we will be able to send our clients there soon to see the beautiful landscape and to meet the lovely people there.