TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's newly appointed Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) announced the country's readiness to welcome Chinese tourists during a handover ceremony on Monday (Sep. 2). Chen offered an olive branch to China, urging them to reopen group and individual travel to Taiwan.
Chen highlighted the disparity in travel numbers between the two countries. He noted that 1.58 million Taiwanese have visited China, while only 220,000 Chinese tourists have visited Taiwan.
Chen emphasized the importance of promoting tourism and expressed his hope for increased foreign visitors, stating that the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) needs to work harder.
Chen acknowledged the challenges of tourism in Hualien and Taitung, including frequent earthquakes. However, he stressed the region's many attractions and the need to overcome these obstacles. He also pointed out that improving tourism quality in Kenting requires joint efforts from local businesses and the government, which he believes will attract more tourists.
During a media interview, a public member voiced concerns about future transportation infrastructure and postal services. Chen responded briefly, saying he values labor and will consider the feedback.
