
China's state media has announced that Tibet is once again open to foreign tourists.
The three-month ban has been lifted following the safe passage of the Olympic torch through the city of Lhasa.
Xinhua claimed that the region had been open to domestic tour groups since April, but that the region has only now been declared as "safe" for foreign
student travel groups and other tourists.
International visitors had been denied access to the state of Tibet following a spate of violent anti-China protests in March.
Deputy director of the Tibet Autonomous Regional Bureau of Tourism, Tanor, told the news agency: "Tibet is safe. We welcome the domestic and foreign tourists.
"The success of the Olympic torch relay held three days ago in Lhasa demonstrated that the foundation for the social stability has been further consolidated."
Meanwhile, the Tibet Autonomous Regional Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to conduct a clean up of the rubbish left behind by tourists and hikers on Everest.
It also announced that it will introduce measures to regulate the number of tourists allowed to climb the mountain in a bid to preserve its environment.
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