Source: CCTV.com

05-04-2008 09:28

Taiwan's newly elected leaders are hoping to launch regular cross strait flights by summer. With that goal on the horizon, Taiwan's tourism is gearing up for more business. Travel agencies are not only preparing for visitors from the mainland, they're also encouraging local people to travel to the mainland for a holiday, at a reasonable cost.

Taiwan's newly elected leaders are hoping to launch regular  cross strait flights by summer.(Photo: CCTV.com)

Over the last few months, scenic spots across the island of Taiwan have been busy expanding, getting ready for the hotly anticipated influx of mainland sightseers. In addition to new restaurants and accommodation, simplified Chinese pamphlets and billboards are being produced for tourists from across the straits.

Once the mainland tourists are allowed to the island, the local economy expects a boost. Taiwan's tourism industry has forecast annual revenue of up to 16 billion yuan, or 66 billion new Taiwan dollars.

Business owners are already making plans to welcome a surge in demand.

Zhang Xuelao, chairman of Taiwan Tourism Society, said, "As such a big number of tourists are coming over from the mainland, we're kind of worried about how to provide them with quality service. We must build a good reputation, so that more mainland residents will come here. Now it's our main concern to maintain the quality of our services."

Flights from Taiwan to the mainland are not currently direct, and most fly via Hong Kong. The detour makes ticket prices at least 50 percent higher than a direct flight. The highly anticipated approval of direct cross strait flights would likely boost cross strait travel business. Tour agencies also say they have high hopes, for business potential.

 

Editor:Liu Fang