Political tensions and natural disasters impact tourism

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The chairperson of the Development Association for Taiwan Tour Guide (DATTG), Chu Chien-meng, expressed pessimism about the outlook for the tourism industry this year on Tuesday (May 7).

At present, political issues continue to arise between Taiwan and China. Despite efforts by Fu Kun-chi, the Kuomintang (KMT) caucus whip, who led a delegation to China to seek benefits for cross-strait tourism, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communication's Tourism Administration is set to implement a "ban on group tours" to China starting June 1. Insufficient flight points and legal issues also pose obstacles.

In addition, a major earthquake in Hualien in April this year has impacted the local tourism industry. Chu believes visiting Hualien will become significantly more difficult for Chinese tourists.

Chen Min-chin, chairperson of the Chinese Culture and Tourism Association, believes there is no reason to prohibit group tours to China. He hopes the new government will adopt a more open attitude to attract tourists and promote Taiwan's economic development.