Locals wait for Taiwan tour price to dip

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-6-21  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

MOUNT Ali and Sun Moon Lake are the most attractive Taiwan scenic spots for local tourists, according to a survey by Ctrip.com, China's major online travel service company.

Nearly 90 percent of 2,000 Website members said they most wanted to go to the two scenic spots. The night markets of the Taiwan cities are also hot destinations for local tourists, with 62 percent of the tourists saying they would like to try authentic Taiwan snacks from the market.

However, tourists told the survey that the present price for tours to Taiwan was too high.

About 40 percent of Ctrip members said the ideal price was under 5,000 yuan (US$714). Only 20 percent of members said they would accept a trip above 8,000 yuan, company officials said. The first group to Taiwan is paying 12,880 yuan for a 10-day trip. After that, the price will drop to 8,000 to 10,000 yuan for an eight-day to 10-day trip, agencies said.

Ctrip said to ensure the quality of the trip, agencies would not arrange shopping trips for tourists at their own expense. But that meant the price of the trip was not likely to go down.

Besides, China Eastern Airlines yesterday announced fares for weekend charter flights from Shanghai to Taipei and immediately started selling tickets. The carrier is charging 3,700 yuan for a round trip of economy-class flight, while business class costs 5,500 yuan, both including taxes.

Shanghai Airlines, another to fly the route, announced the same prices on Thursday.