A Chinese mainland spokeswoman criticized the Taiwan authorities on Friday for obstructing mainland group tours to Taiwan under the pretext of coordination through cross-Strait tourism associations.
Following the announcement of the resumption of group tour services for residents of Fujian province and Shanghai by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Jan 17, tour operators from Fujian and Shanghai requested inspection visits to Taiwan on Jan 24.
However, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council insisted that such matters should be coordinated through the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association established by the island and the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits by the mainland before proceeding.
Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, expressed disappointment at the passive response and obstructive actions of the Democratic Progressive Party administration, which she said was to pour "cold water" on the enthusiasm of Taiwan's tourism industry.
She said that following the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the DPP administration not only unilaterally banned mainland residents from visiting Taiwan but also prohibited island travel agencies from organizing group tours for Taiwan residents to the mainland without communicating through the cross-Strait tourism associations.
In November 2024, the mainland agreed for the request from Taiwan's tourism association for a visit and meeting with its mainland counterpart, but the visit was abruptly canceled by the island association citing insufficient budget, she said.
Prior to the Chinese New Year, tour operators from Fujian and Shanghai requested inspection visits to Taiwan, with mainland's tourism association informing Taiwan's tourism association office in Beijing simultaneously, according to her.
Zhu said that while the mainland does not oppose communication through the cross-Strait tourism associations on specific issues related to cross-Strait tourism after its resumption, it strongly opposes the DPP's excuses for obstructing mainland residents from visiting Taiwan.
She criticized the DPP administration for turning a blind eye to mainstream public opinion and industry voices in Taiwan, causing harm to the interests of grassroots people.
