The Chinese mainland is set to resume group tours to Taiwan for residents of Fujian and Shanghai, marking a significant step toward enhancing cross-strait exchanges. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on Friday that the long-awaited services will soon be available, rekindling travel opportunities that have been on hold.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed strong support for the initiative in response to media inquiries. “It is a practical measure to respond to the enthusiastic anticipation of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for enhanced exchanges,” Chen stated. “It aligns with Taiwan compatriots’ collective aspirations for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation.”
He added, “We actively support this and will be happy to see it come to fruition.”
Chen urged the Democratic Progressive Party authorities to heed the mainstream public opinion and listen to industry voices on the island. He called on them to lift the “ban on group tours” as soon as possible, cancel travel warnings for Taiwan residents traveling to the Chinese mainland, and fully restore direct cross-strait passenger flights.
“These actions will create favorable conditions for cross-strait exchanges and interactions in various fields,” Chen emphasized.
The resumption of group tours is expected to bolster people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding between residents of the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Tour operators and industry stakeholders on both sides are anticipating a positive impact on tourism and related sectors.
Reference(s):
Mainland to resume group tours for Fujian, Shanghai to Taiwan
cgtn.com
