China to reopen Tibet to tourists

LHASA, China, March 30 (UPI) -- China says it will reopen Tibet soon to foreign tourists after a security clampdown this month.

"Tibet will resume receiving foreign tourists as of April 5, and we warmly welcome them," the head of the tourism administration of the Tibet Autonomous Region, with the single name Bachug, told the state-run Chinese news service Xinhua Monday.

Beijing suspended tourism in Tibet as part of security clampdown while this month's 50th anniversary of the revolt that led to the exile of the Dalai Lama was marked, observers said.

"Reception work was suspended in March for the sake of travelers' safety," Bachug told the news service, adding, "Tibet is harmonious and safe now. Travel agencies, tourist resorts and hotels are well prepared for tourists."