Taiwan halts tour solicitations to China amid tensions

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) took a sharp policy U-turn Wednesday (Feb. 7), halting the solicitation of tours to China effective immediately.

Tours from Taiwan to China were originally slated to open on March 1. The daily reference cap was set at 2,000 people, with flexibility for adjustments based on the travel industry's ability to attract customers.

The Tourism Administration, part of the MOTC, explained the decision was in response to China not yet allowing Chinese tour groups to Taiwan and unilaterally changing the M503 flight route without goodwill, which affects flight safety.

In the current circumstances, the Tourism Administration believes that it is not in the best interest of Taiwanese nationals to travel to China. A continuous appeal is made to China to demonstrate goodwill and promote cross-strait tourism exchange.

The Tourism Administration added, that tours already solicited and due to depart between March 1 and May 31, 2024, will go ahead as planned to safeguard passenger rights. However, tours after June 1 are not allowed to depart. Travel companies are urged to refrain from soliciting tours to China in order to avoid potential disputes.