Hanover - This year's summer Olympics in Beijing should boost tourism in China as it will attract worldwide attention while showing vibrant images of China's diverse culture - at least theoretically.

But the world is already focusing its attention on China and its record on human rights in Tibet.

Some people who have booked a trip to China are reconsidering whether it's morally right to visit the country.

To go or not to go? That's a question that Christian Thies, deputy director of the Research Institute for Philosophy in Hanover, finds difficult to answer.

"The incidents that have occurred in Tibet should be condemned. I believe it's worth cancelling a journey for moral reasons, even if there are weightier issues to consider," says Thies.

Thies says politicians bear more responsibility than holidaymakers.

But Professor Torsten Kirstges believes cancelling a trip to China is not the right way to protest against China's policies.

A travel boycott would hardly damage the country's political leadership and would not force them to change course in Tibet, says Kirstges who researches tourism at Wilhelmshaven Polytechnic in northern Germany.

Tourism does not play a major role in China's economy and a boycott would have few consequences.

Kirstges says a boycott would even be counterproductive.

"Tourism encourages understanding between nations and cultures. It's a slow process, but it's also long lasting one, and it cannot be prevented by the leadership on a long term basis."

By travelling to China, the Chinese come into contact with people from foreign countries.

In the long run, that will encourage understanding within China for western perceptions and criticism - such as those directed at the country's human rights record.

In addition, China is not a country where income from tourism lands exclusively in the government's coffers.

A travel boycott would also adversely affect those Chinese who seek more contact abroad and people working in the tourist industry.

But Kirstges believes holidaymakers are not completely powerless.

Instead of going on a standard package tour, tourists could consider a journey where they get to meet local people.

"That won't be easy in China, however," says Kirstges. "As a tourist, you probably won't have much contact with locals because of the language barrier."

In the end, it's up to each individual to decide whether it's right to visit China.

The financial aspect of cancelling a trip for moral reasons had has to be taken into account also.

Travellers cannot break off a journey for moral reasons and a cancellation fee usually has to be paid, warned Sabine Fischer of Germany's Consumer Protection Office.

In the case of holidaymakers travelling to China during the Olympics in August, the fee will come to about 30 per cent of travel costs. (dpa)