The first half of 2024 has marked a significant milestone for tourism in Tibet, with the region experiencing a substantial increase in the number of inbound tourists. According to recent statistics, the top countries of origin for tourists include the United States, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, reflecting Tibet's growing appeal on the global stage.
The Tibet Autonomous Region's Department of Culture and Tourism reported a total of 16,610 inbound tourists in the first quarter of 2024, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 525.6%. While detailed figures for the second quarter are yet to be released, the growth observed thus far is attributed to a combination of supportive policies, convenient transportation, and Tibet's abundant tourism resources.
At the start of 2024, the Chinese government implemented new visa-free policies and entry facilitation measures. This led to a stable rise in the number of foreigners traveling to China for both tourism and business purposes. According to official data, around 14.635 million foreigners entered China through various ports in the first half of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 152.7%. Among these, 8.542 million benefited from visa-free entry, accounting for 52% of the total and showing a year-on-year increase of 190.1%.
The National Immigration Administration projects that inbound tourism will continue to rise in the second half of 2024. This growth is largely driven by visa-free measures introduced for several major European and Southeast Asian countries, including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Malaysia. These measures have significantly reduced the time and steps required for foreign visitors to travel to Tibet.
Additionally, the resumption of international flight routes and enhanced transportation infrastructure have improved connectivity to Tibet. The region's transportation network has seen continuous improvements, making air, rail, and road travel more accessible. Himalaya Airlines has resumed and added several international flights, including those between Lhasa and Kathmandu, Nepal. Domestically, there has also been an increase in flights between Tibet and other Chinese cities. The Civil Aviation Administration of China predicts that the international passenger market will recover rapidly, with weekly flights expected to reach around 6,000 by the end of 2024, recovering to about 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
The development of highways and railways extending from Lhasa is ongoing, with the Lhasa-Shigatse Expressway officially opening on June 30, 2024, significantly reducing travel time for visitors.
Tibet offers a wide array of unique tourism resources, with popular attractions including the Potala Palace, Namtso Lake, Everest Base Camp, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. These sites provide a blend of Tibetan Buddhism's mystique and the breathtaking scenery of the Tibetan Plateau. International tourists are required to sign up with a local Tibetan travel agency to obtain the necessary Tibet Travel Permit, which is essential for boarding flights or trains to Lhasa. Different itineraries may require varying permits, which can take up to a month to process, so advance booking is recommended.
