Cross-strait exchanges will enter a new era of development after the first solo mainland Chinese visitors from Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen arrive in Taiwan June 28.
The ROC National Immigration Agency said it has issued 282 visas and expects most of these applicants to travel to Taiwan on the first day of the document’s effective date.
In anticipation of independent travelers from mainland China arriving in Taiwan, most cities and counties around the island have launched special promotion packages, including free gifts, sightseeing tours and discounted hotel rates.
Starting today, the first 1,600 mainland visitors will receive a lucky red envelope when they clear immigration at Taiwanese airports. Prepared by the ROC Presidential Office, the souvenir carries the national flag and autographs of President Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President Vincent C. Siew.
According to Tourism Bureau statistics, mainland Chinese and other foreign visitors generated US$2.81 billion and US$5.91 billion in tourism revenues respectively last year—both record high numbers.
An annual bureau survey of 6,016 foreign travelers revealed that Japanese visitors spent an average of US$283.81 per day with US$76.77 of this on shopping. Mainland Chinese came in second at US$245.34 and US$138.1 per day.
Taiwan’s spectacular scenery and cuisine are No. 1 tourist draws, the survey found, while night markets, Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum are the three most frequently visited sites.
The survey also showed that 95 percent of respondents will consider visiting the island again, while 93 percent were satisfied with their travel experience, citing the friendliness of Taiwanese people and safety and quality of tourism facilities and accommodation.
Since Taiwan further opened to mainland Chinese tour groups three years ago, more than 3.3 million visitors have traveled to its shores, generating NT$195.8 billion (US$6.57 billion) in tourism revenue. Independent mainland Chinese tourists are expected to create business worth between NT$9 billion and NT$15 billion annually, making this a valuable segment of Taiwan’s international tourism market.
Write to Meg Chang at meg.chang@mail.gio.gov.tw