tour groups 結果共7筆

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced plans to expedite the review of Chinese tourists visiting Kinmen, as part of ongoing efforts to promote tourism and cross-strait exchanges.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen announced that travel to mainland China is possible for pre-arranged tour groups before May 31, pending China’s cooperation. The decision, made in response to a query from Kuomintang caucus whip Fu Kun-chi at the Legislative Yuan, was explained as a temporary measure due to China’s failure to reciprocate group tourism efforts. Chen highlighted that the possibility of lifting the ban hinges on China’s willingness, emphasizing that existing tour groups can still travel before the end of May.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications plans to open up tour groups to China and allow Chinese tour groups to Taiwan by March 1, 2024. However, some travel agencies find the pace of this ＂un-banning＂ too slow and have admitted to organizing tour groups to China under the guise of ＂visiting groups.＂ 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.

KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih unveils a bold plan to attract 18 million foreign tourists if elected as Taiwan’s next president. Hou believes that tourism is a reflection of national strength and aims to counter the economic recession by boosting the industry. His proposed policy includes a 15% increase in the budget to improve infrastructure, such as airports, ports, the High Speed Rail, and the Taiwan Railway. In response to a recent incident involving a Taiwanese tour group in Xinjiang, Hou criticizes the government for not lifting restrictions on group tours to China, leading to privately arranged travel groups.

Mainland Chinese tour groups may not be able to visit Taiwan until next year, according to Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to lift the travel ban in the second half of this year, mainland China has not responded. The Mainland Affairs Council has allowed mainland Chinese citizens from third places to visit Taiwan for tourism since September 1.

Taiwanese tour groups were left stranded in Jerusalem as Hamas extremists attacked Israel on October 7. Lion Travel Service successfully flew their teams back to Taiwan, while Artisan Tour expects their teams to return from Jordan on October 11. However, Yung Shin Travel Service canceled parts of their tour and remains in Jerusalem. Yung Shin tour group members suggested repatriating via Jordan, but the travel agency rejected the idea due to visa complications. This has led to criticism from stranded tourists who accuse the agency of prioritizing cost-cutting over their safety. With 22 flights already canceled, tourists are growing increasingly anxious about potential further delays and express concerns over the lack of proactivity from travel agencies.

The Mainland Affairs Council announced on Thursday (Nov. 3) that tourists from Hong Kong and Macao will be able to visit Taiwan via tour groups starting on November 7.