Overseas travel has emerged as a new trend in Tibet after the region's opening up.

More than 300 Tibetans traveled overseas last year, some up 200 from the same period of 2002.

Officials attribute the increase to the rising standard of living in Tibet.

In addition, the increase of overseas tourists arriving in Tibet has increased Tibetans' awareness of the outside world.

The top travel destinations for people from Tibet have so far been locations in Europe and Asia.

Reports say 70 percent of the region's inhabitants traveling in Asia went on tours with an average expense of 6,000 or 7,000 yuan or some US$800 per person.
 
(CRI.com July 21, 2004)