Launch of luxury trains to Tibet delayed
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The launch of the Tangula Luxury Trains, the first luxury train service between Beijing and Tibet’s capital Lhasa, has again been postponed from April to the spring of 2010, the Associated Press reported.
It was stated however, that some trips would be available later this year, ahead of the train’s official launch. The company has said the decision was taken in light of the current business climate and all the financial indicators in the near term.
The report said although the decision was said to be a business decision, tourism in Tibet has been languishing amid a security crackdown aimed at preventing unrest linked to several critical anniversaries this year of anti-Chinese riots in Tibet.
“It’s not a good time to visit Tibet now, and I think you know the reason,” the report quoted Xiao Su, Sales Manager for the Lhasa-based Tibet-China Travel Agency, as saying.
The service’s delay has resulted in a loss to the company of about US$2 million in advance bookings, the report said. The fares are US$3,300-$5,000 per person, depending on the route.
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