The first Shanghai tourist group has arrived in Kinmen. Therefore this tourism recovery marks a significant step for cross-Straits travel. Kinmen local travel regulator confirmed the arrival on Wednesday. Shanghai resumed travel programs to Kinmen and Matsu on April 29. Subsequently residents can now apply for group and individual tours to both islands.
The first group includes four travelers and one tour guide. They arrived at Kinmen’s Shuitou Pier via the Mini Three Links ferry. This ferry route has transported over 23.5 million passengers since 2001. The group mainly comprises middle-aged and elderly travelers. They seek cultural experiences and slow-paced island tourism.
Shanghai’s tourism authorities announced the resumption effective April 29. Residents may register with qualified travel agencies in Shanghai and Fujian. Then they can apply for travel endorsements from exit-entry authorities. Shanghai has also released 12 designated travel agencies for these trips.
Zhang Qi, executive vice president of the Shanghai Tourism Trade Association, spoke at a promotion event. He said Kinmen’s island scenery and Minnan culture draw growing attention. Chen Hsiang-lin, Kinmen County Deputy Magistrate, also attended the Shanghai event. Chen said the event aims to strengthen ties between Kinmen and Shanghai. He welcomes more Shanghai residents to visit Kinmen via Xiamen.
This tourism recovery follows a February think tank forum. The forum involved the Communist Party of China and the Chinese Kuomintang Party. Spokesperson Zhang Han confirmed the April 29 arrangement implements forum outcomes. She added that tourism representatives from both sides have begun mutual inspection tours. Consequently these tours pave the way for future cross-Straits exchanges.
Kinmen authorities will continue coordinating with relevant parties. They will follow cross-Straits policy developments to attract more mainland tourists. Expanding Mini Three Links ferry services remains a key priority. The authorities describe this route as a cross-Straits peace route. It promotes tourism and local economic development simultaneously. Taiwan media have closely followed these positive developments. The mainland hopes Taiwan will respond to public opinion soon. Thus this tourism recovery represents a constructive step forward for both sides.
