China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Director Shao Qiwei and his delegation departed for China this afternoon (November 6, 2005) after completing an inspection tour of tourism sites and facilities in Taiwan. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) is pleased with the successful visit. MAC is confident that because the Chinese delegation was able to fully experience Taiwan's tourism environment during their stay, it is hoped that their visit will encourage the Chinese authorities to honor their pledge to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan as soon as possible.
MAC indicates that the Taiwan Visitors Association (TVA) invited Director Shao Qiwei to visit Taiwan for a very simple purpose. After arriving in Taiwan on October 28, Director Shao and his delegation smoothly proceeded with the tour according to the set plan and approved purpose. TVA as well as the industry representatives and service personnel receiving the delegation at each site hosted the visitors with utmost hospitality and showed them the most beautiful facets of Taiwan. The Chinese visitors were able to experience the rich diversity of Taiwan's tourism resources and excellent quality of the travel facilities and environment. They were able to leave with a lasting impression of Taiwan’s beauty.
At a dinner reception yesterday to express gratitude to the Taiwan hosts, Director Shao applauded Taiwan's travel sites, facilities and reception conditions. He also expressed a desire to promote cross-strait negotiations. MAC believes that the positive message conveyed by Director Shao marks an important step in achieving the promotion of allowing Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. This is a goal that MAC also supports.
MAC emphasizes that prior to the arrival of Director Shao and his delegation to Taiwan, the Chinese side had fully communicated with TVA and requested that the group's itinerary be limited to visits to major tourist sites and facilities in Taiwan. MAC also requested that the visitors only participate in banquets and talks with tourism industry businessmen, and that the delegation not take part in public activities or political meetings unrelated to the approved purpose of its visit. As agreed in advance, the receiving parties appropriately handled impromptu meeting invitations and visits by related parties. As a result, the visitor’s activities concluded successfully according to the previously established plan and agreement reached between both sides. MAC expresses approval over Director Shao Qiwei and his delegation’s compliance to the agreement to keep the trip simple. It also expresses the greatest gratitude to TVA for strictly following the related regulations throughout the itinerary and for fully carrying out its responsibilities as the hosting organization. MAC would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many persons whose concerted support has been a major factor in the progress achieved to date in facilitating the visits to Taiwan by Chinese tourists.
MAC reiterates that it is the Taiwanese government’s established policy to allow Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan. Premier Frank Hsieh has already announced on June 13, 2005, that such policy would be given priority in cross-strait negotiations. Moreover, the Taiwanese government has already designated a contact window for such negotiations. After Director Shao and the Chinese delegation return home, Taiwan will continue to fully and actively proceed with contacts and arrangements with China through the contact window. We will make proper preparation to achieve the policy objective of allowing Chinese visitors to enjoy high-quality visits to Taiwan.