TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A ban on Taiwanese travel groups to China will take effect on June 1, potentially leading to an “underground” tourism industry, according to Chen Yi-hsuan, vice chairman of the Travel Quality Assurance Association and chairman of the Taipei Tourism Development Association on Tuesday (May 7).
Chen Yi-hsuan said that nearly 80% of Taiwan’s more than 4,000 travel agencies have business dealings with China. If the government does not lift the ban, it could lead to unregulated tourism activities, leaving travelers unprotected.
Chen Yi-hsuan thanked Kuomintang legislator Fu Kun-chi for leading a delegation to Beijing to break the ice, although the results fell short of expectations. However, China has extended an olive branch, and the industry hopes the ban will be lifted in June.
Chen Yi-hsuan pointed out that Chinese tourists have different travel characteristics than those from Southeast Asia and Japan. They prefer island-wide tours, benefiting various sectors in…