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Mainland top tourism officials visit Taiwan
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-29 09:33
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Chinese mainland's top official in charge of tourism
began a 10-day visit to Taiwan on Friday, fuelling hopes the trip could open the
floodgates for mainland tourists to visit the island.
Shao Qiwei,
head of mainland's National Tourism Administration, goes through customs at
the Chiang Kai-shek international airport October 28, 2005.
[Reuters] | Shao Qiwei, head of National Tourism
Administration, led a 66-member delegation to see tourist spots around the
island, including the tranquil Sun Moon Lake, the misty Alishan mountain range
and the steep Taroko Gorge.
"I am here for sight-seeing and to feel the environment, experience the
history, culture and religions," said Shao, who was greeted at the airport by
hosts from the island's tourism industry. "I hope to bring high-quality tourists
to Taiwan."
While the Taiwan government has said no official negotiations will take place
during their tour, hopes are high that it can be a major step toward ushering in
tourists from mainland -- a potent economic force, as evident in nearby Hong
Kong.
"We hope negotiations can proceed as soon as possible after they leave,"
Joseph Wu, chairman of Taiwan's policy-making Mainland Affairs Council, said
earlier this week.
Beijing first offered to let mainland tourists visit Taiwan in May and called
for negotiations with Taipei on the details.
Taiwan has its own tough rules restricting mainland visitors and bans direct
air links on grounds.
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