TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Mainland Affairs Council (陸委會, MAC) has expressed optimism about the resumption of travel groups from Fujian to Matsu, as Deputy Head Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) announced on Thursday (May 30) that the decision to lift the ban on group tours will be dynamically assessed, highlighting the anticipated visit of the Rural Ecological Tourism Association of Fujian Province to Matsu in June for a preliminary inspection.
The Rural Ecological Tourism Association of Fujian Province (福州旅遊協會) had initially scheduled a visit to Matsu (馬祖) on June 10 for an exploratory trip. However, due to a scheduling conflict with the Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in Fuzhou, the association announced on Thursday evening that the trip would be postponed.
The Executive Yuan had earlier that day outlined the latest cross-strait tourism policy, allowing travel groups to China, planned before June 1 to proceed, though with clarification that the current ban remains.
Following the postponement, the Fuzhou Tourism Association communicated with the Matsu Tourism Association (馬祖觀光協會), citing significant festival activities in Fuzhou during the Dragon Boat Festival as the reason for the delay.
They promised to negotiate a new date for the visit as soon as possible. In response, the MAC reiterated its welcoming stance towards mainland China's tourism inspection teams visiting Taiwan.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of cross-strait relations and the potential for increased tourism exchanges. Both sides appear committed to overcoming logistical challenges, signaling a hopeful outlook for future collaborations.
