Taiwan allows higher quotas, longer visits for mainland tourists

Source: Xinhua | 04-21-2009 08:10

TAIPEI, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan authorities has temporarily raised the daily quota of mainland tourists from 3,000 to 7,200, to cope with the increasing number of travelers.

Tse Lap-kong, a Taiwanese official, said the temporary adjustment was meant to cope with the surge of tourist numbers in the coming two weeks, a travel peak season for mainlanders.

It is estimated that more than 30,000 mainland tourists could arrive in Taiwan in the coming week, with a daily average of 4,100.

Daily mainland tourist arrivals were less than 3,000 in the first few months since Taiwan was opened to them as a destination last July, and the temporary change would use the unfulfilled quota from that period, Tse said.

The daily quota would remain at 3,000 on a yearly average, he said.

Taiwan authorities might also extend the allowed period for visiting mainland businessmen and professionals, with a final decision in late April, local media reported.

Business trips would be extended from a maximum of two weeks to one month, and visiting businessmen and experts would be allowed an additional five days based on their travel schedule, according to the reports.