Taiwan: Steps Towards Breaking Tourism Monopoly
Authorities in China and Taiwan are expected to meet in the near future to discuss ways forward to break the monopoly of Chinese and Hong Kong tourism agencies, which would increase the economic benefits for Taiwan.
Below is an article published by Focus Taiwan:
Taiwan will discuss with Beijing possible steps to break a monopoly of Taiwan's tourism market for Chinese customers by Chinese and Hong Kong companies, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said Monday [30 June 2014] during a visit to the outlying island of Kinmen.
Jiang said the opening of direct cross-Taiwan Strait flights and ferry services between Kinmen, Matsu and the Chinese province of Fujian has not brought as many economic benefits to Taiwan as expected, mainly due to the monopoly held by Chinese and Hong Kong tour operators.
Related authorities in Taiwan and China are expected to meet to find a solution to this problem, he said.
The premier was referring to the phenomenon in which many Chinese group tours to Taiwan are organized by Chinese or Hong Kong travel agencies that also operate hotels and tour bus companies in Taiwan.
Jiang, meanwhile, promised to consider a proposal for the government to ease restrictions on Chinese tourists who wish to travel to Taiwan via Kinmen.
