China announces return of Taiwan group tours for Shanghai and Fujian residents
The move aims to “further promote the normalisation of cross-strait exchanges and the regularisation of exchanges in various fields, and in response to the strong expectations of the grassroots people and tourism industry in Taiwan”.
CHINA. In a positive development for tourism and travel retail, China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced on its official website that group tours from Mainland China to Taiwan will soon be reinstated for residents of Fujian and Shanghai.
According to the announcement, “preparations are actively underway” but no timeline has been given for when tours will resume.
The move aims to “further promote the normalisation of cross-strait exchanges and the regularisation of exchanges in various fields, and in response to the strong expectations of the grassroots people and tourism industry in Taiwan”.
Through this decision, authorities hope to strengthen communication and coordination between the tourism sectors on both sides, delivering high-quality services and products for Mainland residents travelling to Taiwan in groups.
The resumption of group tours comes after more than four years during which Taiwan-bound group travel was suspended due to pandemic restrictions.
In April and August last year, the ministry restarted group tours for residents of Fujian province to the Taiwanese islands of Matsu and Jinmen.
Ctrip has recorded a +48% rise in travel searches for Taiwan, with a notable spike as the Spring Festival approaches.
In 2019, Shanghai and Fujian were the largest sources of Mainland Chinese tourists to the island, contributing 30% of the total. 
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