The Ethical Question: Should I Go To Tibet?

Many people feel it is inappropriate to visit Tibet.   The Dalai Lama, however, has spoken publicly of how individual travellers to Tibet benefit the Tibetan cause.   Nevertheless always be aware that what may seem helpful for a Tibetan could have disastrous consequences.   What you do can rebound on a Tibetan once you have gone home.

Against

Many people are against travelling to Tibet because they believe tourism provides legitimacy to the Chinese Government.   It is also part of China's economic policy to encourage tourism in Tibet, especially wealthy Westerners on package group tours.   Supporting the immigrant population of 7·5 million Chinese, in addition to the six million Tibetans, is such a drain on Chinese resources that the Government desperately needs tourism, and the hard currency it provides, to boost the Tibetan economy.

After the first trickle of tourists in the early 1980s, there was a boom in the number of tourists entering the country.     40,000 people in the Tibet Autonomous Region alone in 1987.   However, the uprisings of 1987-88 and the consequent imposition of martial law resulted in the country being officially closed to all visitors, journalists and tourists alike.   In June 1989, it was announced that tourists would again be able to visit Tibet.   Latest figures show that the Chinese Government is expecting 75,000 visitors to Tibet in each of the next five years.

Visitors should also be aware that the money they spend will go into Chinese pockets. When you fly to Tibet, the money will go to the Chinese state airline.   When you stay in one of the large hotels, your money will go to Chinese officials.   Many of the major tour operators, such as China International Travel Service (CITS) and Chinese Youth Travel Service (CYTS), also co-operate with the Chinese authorities.   In this way, therefore, there is a tacit complicity with the Chinese regime.

For

The Dalai Lama has announced publicly that it is beneficial for foreigners to witness the oppression in Tibet.   Tourism is also thought to be a source of encouragement to Tibetans to have any form of contact with the West, when the only alternative is to be confined within the boundaries of the Chinese empire.

Tourism, in some respects, at least provides a window to the outside world, and a first step towards a more open policy.   Reports by responsible travellers of their own experiences are an important source of information to the outside world.

Therefore

There is no simple answer regarding the ethical issues involved in travelling to Tibet.   Ultimately, it is up to the individual traveller.   ATC does encourage people to visit Tibet.   Please go to www.atc.org.au/travel/travel.html for more information.   Details of the Himalayan Tourist Code are listed below.

Guidelines for the Visitor

It is important to remember that the political climate in Tibet is turbulent and that the situation, and consequently your plans, could change overnight.   There are, however, some 'common sense' considerations to observe while travelling in Tibet.   First, we suggest you make yourself aware of the current situation in Tibet.

Although travelling with a local Tibetan guide is the best way to see the country, visitors should be aware that the Chinese security network is extensive.   There are many plain-clothes police around and security cameras strategically placed on roofs.   It is important to bear in mind that it may be very dangerous for Tibetans if you actively seek out information on human rights abuses or on the Independence Movement (although some Tibetans may volunteer such information).

This does not, however, stop you from remaining observant; you may wish to note down information which you think could be of use later.   Secondly, you will be helping to keep Tibetan culture alive if you attempt as far as possible to use Tibetan rather than Chinese resources, e.g.   hotels and souvenir stalls.

Avoid:

• Stayingin an expensive Chinese hotel.
• UsingChinese guides and tour operators.
• Buyingantiques.
• Buying products made from wild animals,especially endangered species.
• Patronising Chinese-run shops, restaurants etc.
• Making donations at official collection points in religious institutions as the moneytends to go to Chinese authorities.

Try to:

• Travel individually or in a small group.
• Leave donations on altars or give them directly to monks or nuns.
• Give donations to pilgrims from provincial Tibet.
• Use knowledgeable Tibetan guides or Tibetan-staffed tour operators.
• Exercise care for the environment when trekking.
• Be discreet when talking or giving things to Tibetans.
• Be informed before you leave.

Suggested reading: There is a comprehensive section on Guidebooks and Other Published Sources of Travel Information at the Independent Travel website.

Individual/Small Group Travel

At present, official Chinese Government policy states that holders of Chinese visas can enter Tibet if they travel in a "group" which can officially be as small as two or three people.   However, there are inconsistencies.   Apparently, once inside Tibet the individual or small party traveller is not faced with as many restrictions as the China Travel Service or the Chinese Embassy will have you believe.   Check out Independent Travel for the latest information.

THE HIMALAYAN
TOURIST CODE

• Protect the natural environment.   The Himalayas may change you. Please do not change them.
• Limit deforestation. Make no open fires, and discourage others from doing so on your behalf.   Where water is heated by scarce firewood,use as little as possible. When possible,choose accommodation that uses kerosene or fuel efficient wood stoves.
• Remove litter, burn or bury paper, and carry out all non-degradable litter.   Graffiti are permanent examples of environmental pollution.
• Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants such as detergents in streams or springs.   If no toilet facilities are available, make sure you are at least 30 metres away from water sources, and bury or cover wastes.
• Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment - taking cuttings, seeds and roots is illegal in many parts of the Himalayas.
• Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures.
• As a guest, respect local traditions, protect local cultures, maintain local pride.Be patient, friendly and sensitive.Remember -- you are a guest.
• When taking photographs, respect privacy - ask permission and use restraint.
• Respect holy places - preserve what you have come to see, never touch or remove religious objects.   Shoes should be removed when visiting temples.
• Giving to children encourages begging. A donation to a project, health centre or school is a more constructive way to help.
• You will be accepted and welcomed if you follow local customs. Use only your right hand for eating and greeting.   Do not share cutlery or cups, etc.   It is polite to use both hands when giving or receiving gifts.
• Respect for local etiquette earns you respect - loose, light-weight clothes are preferable to revealing shorts, skimpy tops and tight-fitting action wear. Hand-holding or kissing in public are disliked by local people.
• Observe standard food and bed charges - but do not condone overcharging.   Remember whenyou're shopping that the bargains you buy may only be possible because of low income to others.
• Visitors who value local traditions encourage local pride and maintain local cultures. Please help local people gain a realistic view of life in Western countries.

Adopted from www.atc.org.au

A small sampling of tours.

These links are provided as a starting point for those who may wish to visit Tibet.   They are provided purely for informational purposes.   We make no recommendations.   There are many more tours to be found on the Internet or thru your travel agent.   All links open in a new window.