The government would consider lifting a ban on travel agencies arranging tours to China and hosting Chinese tour groups traveling in Taiwan if Beijing shows “goodwill” by listing Taiwan as one of the countries Chinese tourists are allowed to visit, Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) said yesterday.
The ban has been in place since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
Wang attended a ceremony marking the launch of direct flights between Taipei International Airport (Songshan) and Matsu Nangan Airport in Lienchiang County offered by Mandarin Airlines, the second domestic carrier that provides flights to the island.
Photo: Cheng Wei-chi, Taipei Times
The government on Saturday resumed travel for Taiwanese business personnel and Chinese spouses, allowing transit via the “small three links” connecting China with Kinmen and Lienchiang counties.
Allowing Chinese tourists to transit through the small three links would have a positive effect on the tourism industry in Matsu and they could board flights operated by Mandarin Airlines and Uni Airways, Wang said.
Mandarin Airlines would gradually increase flights to and from Matsu to ensure there is sufficient capacity for registered Matsu residents, Wang said.
“On Saturday night, we welcomed our one millionth international traveler this year, and we welcome Chinese tourists as well,” he said.
China has since 2019 banned individuals traveling to Taiwan, Wang said.
“Although China has since Feb. 6 allowed Chinese tourists to visit 60 countries around the world, Taiwan is not on the list. If Beijing shows goodwill, we would do everything we could to make it happen,” Wang said.
Regular cross-strait services on March 10 resumed in 14 Chinese cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningpo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Xiamen and Zhengzhou.
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