Tourexpi
China to resume cross-strait water tourism with Taiwan
China plans to resume cross-strait water tourism with
Taiwan, allowing residents of Shanghai to travel to the Taiwan-governed islands
of Kinmen and Matsu. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Ministry of
Culture and Tourism of China, which described the move as part of broader
efforts to normalize exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
Focus on people-to-people exchanges
In a statement, the ministry said the resumption of
tourism is intended to “normalize cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges and
regularize interactions across various fields,” while responding to strong
expectations from Taiwan residents and the tourism sector. The aim, it added,
is to enhance the interests and well-being of people on both sides of the
Strait.
Preparations for reopening the routes are currently
under way. The ministry expressed hope that tourism authorities and businesses
on both sides would strengthen communication and coordination to ensure
high-quality services and products for mainland travelers visiting Kinmen and
Matsu.
Official reactions from Beijing
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan
Affairs Office, said the decision reflects “the strong desire of people on both
sides of the Taiwan Strait for closer exchanges,” as well as what he described
as mainstream public opinion in Taiwan favoring peace, development, and
cooperation. Speaking to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Chen also called on
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party to lift restrictions on
cross-strait visits and cooperation, and to restore travel by mainland residents
to Taiwan.
Political context of the announcement
The announcement coincided with a visit to China by a
delegation from Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang, which traveled to Beijing for a
think-tank forum with the Chinese Communist Party. During the visit, China’s
top political advisor Wang Huning met with the delegation and urged joint
efforts to oppose Taiwan independence and what he termed external interference.
The planned resumption of cross-strait water tourism
marks a notable development in cross-Strait relations, reintroducing a form of
travel that has both economic and symbolic significance amid ongoing political
sensitivities.
Image
Credit: © AA
The most interesting news
Read the News
SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News
Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News
Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News
Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News
Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News
To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News
TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News
Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News
Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News
Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News
Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News
Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News
Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News
Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News
Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News
As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News
TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News
The Czech capital has maintained its position among the ten most important meeting destinations in the world
Meetings Prague announces statistics for 2025 and unifies tourism branding
Read the News
Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News
In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.
