Taipei welcomes mainlanders in first major tourism surge

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-6-26  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

TAIPEI and the Chinese mainland are looking forward to the mutual benefits of the island receiving up to 3,000 visitors a day, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin said yesterday.

Speaking at a tourism forum in Shanghai, Hau said the venture would bring an annual revenue of 60 billion New Taiwan Dollars (US$2 billion).

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said yesterday morning the island would receive the tourists after tourism is opened on July 18.

"Then Taipei will receive about 11 million tourists from the mainland every year, which will bring the city a revenue of 60 billion New Taiwan Dollar," said Hau.

"This will be a great opportunity for Taipei, and we are ready."

Taipei has published pamphlets and maps in simplified Chinese, including information on public sanitation, security and environment protection.

The pamphlets will be distributed to travel agencies and tour guides, and are also available at hotels and tourism service centers.

"Our survey showed that more than 99 percent of tourists from the Chinese mainland will stay in Taipei for two to three days if going to Taiwan for traveling," Hau said. "Taipei has designed several tour packages especially for the tourists from the mainland."

The package will include a "historical tour," which covers scenic spots in the city such as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Palace Museum, and "cultural tour," which covers different districts with different characteristics.

Tourists will also be able to enjoy traditional festivals in Taipei such as the Flower Lantern Festival.

Taipei will also get a boost of 5,000 hotel rooms over the next two years. Agencies and hotels have trained their staff to provide the best service to tourists from the Chinese mainland, Taipei tourism authority said.

Also yesterday, Taipei and Shanghai exchanged presents to show their sincere cooperation on tourism.