Posted 03 Jul 2009

Those on a gap year in China will be able to travel directly from Beijing to Tibetan capital Lhasa for the first time ever, it has been announced.

Air China has revealed that it plans to implement non-stop flights from one capital city to the other in a bid to boost tourism in Tibet. Beginning on July 10th, the flights will cut current journeys, which are currently directed via Chengdu, by two hours.

There will be one flight per day, the airline informs, leaving from Beijing Capital International Airport at 7:00 and arriving in Lhasa at 10:50.

Tibet was opened to tourists again on April 5th following travel restrictions imposed during the 50th anniversary of the Dalai Lama’s failed uprising earlier this year.

Bachug, head of tourism for the country, said that Tibet is now "harmonious and safe" and that "travel agencies, tourist resorts and hotels are well-prepared for tourists".

Category: Asia