Tourists from 10 more cities across the Chinese Mainland will be able to travel to Taiwan on independent travel trips. The program was previously available only to residents of Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen.
To prepare for the impending tourist rush, Taiwan travel authorities have unveiled brand new routes for Mainland visitors, so they can make the most of their cross-Strait experience.
Natural landscapes, ethnic cultures, and delicious local cuisine - Taiwan is a treasure trove for tourists.
The Chinese mainland is currently the biggest source of tourists to Taiwan. Previously only residents from Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen were allowed to visit the island on independent travel. But now, another 10 cities have been added to the scheme, starting April 28th.
To boost the travel experience, the Taiwan tourism authorities has designed a new tour bus service across 22 routes entitled "Taiwan Hao Xing". That literally means: Taiwan is an awesome place to visit.
For tourists who choose the package - organizers say, they?ll pay less and see more.
Davud W. J. Hsieh, head of Taiwan Tourism Authority said, "The tourism bureau will subsidize the transportation cost of Taiwan Hao Xing, which will reduce the ticket price. If you travel with Taiwan Hao Xing buses, you will spend 50 percent less than when taking other transportation options. We will also take you to places selling souvenirs, provide accommodation and great food."
The routes were decided by online vote, by local residents, and cover the must-see spots. It provides a wider selection for Mainland visitors, over and above crowded tourist standards. Industry insiders are seeing a huge influx of tourists from the Mainland.
David said, "The hospitality service is ready to welcome the boom in guests from the mainland, as there are enough hotels, traditional home stays and ethnic farms around the travel spots."
Some travel professionals predict that more young people will travel to the island because of their preference for travelling alone.
Meanwhile, in a bid to meet increasing demand, Xiaoshan Airport in Hangzhou, one of the new cross- Strait tour pilot cities, will commence a regular flight to Hualien in east Taiwan, taking it to a total of four regular flights between the two cities.
