MOTC plans to open tour groups to China before CNY

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kuo-tsai revealed on Friday (Nov. 3) that the ministry plans to announce before the 2024 Lunar New Year, the opening up of tour groups to China and allowing Chinese tour groups to Taiwan, starting on March 1. 

However, some travel agencies regard the pace of this "un-banning" as too slow to meet tourist demands, and many have admitted to organizing tour groups heading to China under the guise of "visiting groups." 

Mr. Chen, a travel agency operator, admitted that their business operates in a gray area, with employees having to bear responsibility if issues arise.

Some travelers, concerned about potential risks, plan to join group tours after the ban is lifted next March. Others have obtained travel permits for Taiwan residents to visit the mainland, entrusting travel agencies to arrange their meals and accommodation.

This ban, which has lasted for over three years, has severely impacted over 90% of Taiwan's 4,000 plus travel agencies operating in the Chinese market.

The Mainland Affairs Council announced on Aug. 24 that it would push to resume cross-strait group tours, capping the daily number of mainland tour guests at 2,000 following a month's preparation period based on China's response.

However, China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office claimed that the proposal merely "opened up borders in name, but not in practice."

The stalled proposal caused immense difficulties in cross-strait exchanges and has made business operations challenging for travel agencies.

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