travel agencies 結果共17筆

Explore the impact of a potential ban on Taiwanese travel groups to China starting June 1, as discussed by Chen Yi-hsuan. With 80% of Taiwan’s travel agencies involved with China, the industry faces the risk of unregulated tourism. Efforts to negotiate with China have begun, highlighting the economic significance of Chinese tourists to Taiwan and urging the new government to prioritize cross-strait exchanges. Concerns over legal, safety, and transportation issues are also raised by industry leaders.

Explore how Taitung, Taiwan, is captivating Hong Kong with its vibrant culture, aiming to boost tourism through exciting exchange events, charter flights, and enticing subsidies for travelers.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in Taipei faces challenges as it considers the ban on travel agencies organizing tours to China. Amidst diplomatic tensions and logistical issues, Minister Wang Kwo-tsai emphasizes that any change to the ban hinges on China’s goodwill gestures. Stay updated on the evolving situation post-June.

Taoyuan International Airport completes southern runway maintenance ahead of schedule, allowing both airport runways to resume operations. President Fan Hsiao-lun emphasizes continued monitoring and focus on inspections. First flight post-maintenance was EVA Air’s BR18 to San Francisco. Passengers relieved as airport resumes double runway operations, confident in travel plans.

Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, urges China to show goodwill towards resuming tourism and travel between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned local travel agencies from arranging tours to China in early 2024, leading to backlash from the tourism sector. Wang emphasized the government’s commitment to healthy interactions with China and hopes for the return of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. The goal of attracting 12 million international tourists to Taiwan this year remains unchanged, with the potential for two million visits from China, depending on pandemic control. The MOTC will evaluate the impact of the ban on travel agencies and work on solutions. Discussions with airlines will ensure affected travel agencies can refund their clients for booking issues.

The story discusses the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s ban on travel agencies organizing group trips to China, citing national security concerns. Hsiao Po-jen, President of the Taiwan’s Travel Agent Association, seeks to address industry concerns with President-elect Lai Ching-te. The directive has sparked protests from the travel industry, with potential penalties for violators. The Tourism Administration cites the ＂Act for the Development of Tourism＂ to support the ban, threatening license termination for those jeopardizing national interests. Hsiao argues that organizing travel groups should not be deemed harmful to national interests, hinting at possible legal actions in response.

The Travel Quality Assurance Association warns that if EVA Air pilots go on strike during the Lunar New Year holidays, it would have a significant impact on travel agencies as all airlines have already filled their fleet. The strike is planned for the Lunar New Year period from Feb. 7-18 and the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays from March 30 to April 7. Travel agencies would face challenges in adjusting operations and relocating passengers if the strike occurs. Limited alternatives would be available for travel agencies during the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays, and managing already-sold bookings would require separate action. The exact date of the strike will only be informed 24 hours prior, although the pilots’ union has announced the duration. The association’s spokesman, Ringo Lee, suggests implementing a strike notice period similar to the Danish model, which allows for a month’s advance notice of strike action.

The Travel Agent Association of R.O.C., Taiwan, has urged aviation unions to give a one-month notice before going on strike to mitigate social repercussions. They warned that another strike could have a devastating impact on the aviation industry. This call comes as EVA Air pilots, in collaboration with the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP), have secured the right to strike. The planned strike is set for the Lunar New Year period, which is a peak travel period. The pilots aim to safeguard their rights, but the Travel Agent Association emphasized that such action would significantly affect consumers and travel agencies. They criticized past unplanned strikes by China Airlines’ cabin crew, pilots, and EVA Air’s cabin crew for disregarding consumer rights. The association emphasized the adoption of international pre-strike notice processes to allow sufficient time for negotiations and consensus-building, benefiting both consumers and labor.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has reported that 547 Taiwanese people are currently stranded in Japan following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. All Taiwanese tour group members have been confirmed safe. Tourists from four travel agencies, including Colatour, Lion Travel, Richmond Tours, and Star Travel, were affected by the disaster. Additionally, 20 individual travelers are stuck at Niigata Airport due to its closure. The earthquake has resulted in at least six fatalities, dozens of injuries, and severe damage, including house fires, collapses, road fractures, and airport closures. More than 30,000 homes in Ishikawa and 1,100 homes in Niigata are without power, with disruption to water supplies. Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior is preparing an international rescue team to dispatch to Japan, and the Japanese government has been informed of Taiwan’s readiness to help. MOFA advises Taiwanese citizens to contact the consulate in Osaka for assistance.

The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), Chen Binhua, denied allegations of Beijing interfering in Taiwan’s elections during a press conference. Chen dismissed the claims made by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as baseless rumors and accused the ruling party in Taiwan of misleading the electorate. Taiwan’s national security agencies have repeatedly warned about interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the country prepares for the 2024 presidential election. In recent investigations, members of the ＂Union of Chinese Nationalists＂ in Kaohsiung were accused of accepting funds from the TAO for political activities in mainland China. The association is suspected of promoting specific political views and pan-blue support during their travels. The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office has summoned 22 members for investigation, including individuals named Cheng and Ye, who are accused of violating Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and Public Officials Election and Recall Act. They have been released on bail with travel restrictions pending further investigation.

The Tourism Administration plans to launch a new travel program called ＂Golden Years＂ (凰金遊程Golden Years) next year, targeting senior travelers in response to Taiwan’s aging population. With an estimated senior travel demographic of 4 million individuals, Taiwan sees a potential tourist value of up to NT＄120 billion. Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-Jen expects a 10% to 20% growth in output value, reaching NT＄120 billion, with domestic tours for the elderly market accounting for approximately NT＄40 billion and international travelers adding NT＄60 billion. Travel agencies and hotels are now focusing on marketing efforts and introducing 11 Golden Years itineraries to cater to this demographic’s preferences. Discounts and leisurely itineraries are being offered to accommodate the spending power of senior travelers.

Explore the latest developments in Taiwan’s travel industry as the government implements a cap on group travel to China, sparking concerns among agencies and travelers. Learn how the Mainland Affairs Council is responding to the backlash and the potential impact on cross-strait relations.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister has stated that multiple channels have been used to raise awareness of the ＂Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China.＂ The system was implemented in January 2023 to improve emergency assistance services for travelers. However, out of over one million Taiwanese nationals who visited China from January to September, only around 2,000 registered with the system, resulting in a usage rate of just 0.19%. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san acknowledged the low uptake and stated that efforts have been made to promote the system, including engaging travel agencies. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung highlighted that in August alone, over 200,000 people traveled from Taiwan to China, but only 554 registrations were made. Minister Chiu explained that registration is voluntary, and if citizens do not anticipate encountering problems in mainland China, it is challenging for the ministry to enforce it. In response to calls for increased promotion, Chiu promised that MAC colleagues would intensify efforts to raise awareness about the registration system.

The Thai government has launched a 30-day visa-free policy for Taiwanese tourists, aiming to increase the number of visitors by 20%. Around 600,000 Taiwanese tourists visited Thailand this year, and Thai officials hope to raise this number to at least 725,000 by the end of 2023. Since the announcement of the new policy, queries about Thailand on travel websites have increased by 30%. Travelers are also pleased with the elimination of visa costs, which can range from NT $1,200 to over $10,000. To further attract tourists, travel agencies and airlines are offering discounted round-trip tickets to Bangkok from Taipei, with prices as low as NT $5,000. Thailand is already among the top overseas travel destinations for Taiwanese, along with Japan, mainland China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

The 2023 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair concluded with a total of 344,475 visits, representing a 76.3% growth from the previous year. The event, organized by the Taiwan Visitors Association, recorded a single-day attendance of 75,917 visitors on its final day. Numerous hotel groups and travel agencies reported strong sales performances, with some generating daily revenues in the millions and cumulative four-day returns exceeding a billion dollars. Exhibited travel products showcased Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia as preferred destinations, while long-haul trips to the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand also garnered significant interest. The 2024 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair is set to begin exhibitor registration on March 1, 2024, and will take place from November 1 to 4, 2024, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

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.

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.