China Urges Taiwan to Lift Tourism Restrictions as New Demand for Cross-Strait Travel Grows, Tourism Sector Calls for the Resumption of Exchanges to Boost Travel

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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May 14, 2026 03:04 GMT+5:30

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Spokesperson Zhang Han of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council urged for immediate removal of obstacles imposed by the DPP-led authorities of Taiwan on cross-Strait tourism. The appeal was made in light of rising interest in travel across the Taiwan Strait during the recent May Day celebrations, which clearly show a strong need for travel between the two sides.

Tourism is a vital sector in today’s world, and with a rise in travel interest, there is an urgent need on the part of the two sides’ tourism and travel sectors to pressurize the DPP-led Taiwan authorities to liberalize the process for the exchange’s sake. Such pressure needs to be made due to the potential gains from tourism for both the mainland and Taiwan.

Travel Surge During May Day Holiday Highlights Demand for Cross-Strait Tourism

According to Zhang Han, approximately 32,900 passenger trips were recorded under the “Mini Three Links” program during the May Day holiday—a notable jump from previous years. The Xiamen-Kinmen route, in particular, experienced high demand with occupancy rates exceeding 95%, indicating a deep-rooted interest and need for travel between Taiwan and the mainland. Nearly 5,000 mainland residents traveled to Kinmen, a clear sign of the strong travel demand that exists between both regions.

This surge in travel highlights the vital role of tourism in connecting Taiwan and the mainland, creating opportunities for both cultural exchange and economic growth. The tourism sector—comprising not only tour operators, but also hotels, transport services, and local economies—is calling for the DPP authorities to act promptly and lift tourism restrictions, which continue to obstruct the potential growth of these exchanges.

The Economic Impact of Reopening Cross-Strait Tourism

The ongoing restrictions on cross-Strait tourism have not only limited the ability for individuals to visit family and friends but have also hampered the economic potential of the tourism industry in both Taiwan and mainland China. The tourism sector in Taiwan, in particular, has been facing the challenge of underutilized tourism infrastructure—such as hotels, transportation services, and local attractions—which could significantly benefit from the reopening of cross-Strait travel.

By lifting the restrictions, Taiwan could potentially see a boost in tourist arrivals from the mainland, which has traditionally been the largest source of inbound tourists for the island. In 2019, mainland Chinese tourists made up a significant portion of Taiwan’s total tourism market, contributing to local businesses, especially in southern Taiwan and regions like Kinmen and Matsu, which rely heavily on mainland visitors.

Reopening cross-Strait tourism would not only restore these economic benefits but also catalyze the development of new tourism opportunities, including joint marketing initiatives and destination development projects across the Strait. The tourism sector’s recovery would also extend to regions on both sides of the Strait, leading to job creation in hospitality, transportation, and related services.

The Need for Policy Changes: Ensuring Long-Term Benefits for the Tourism Sector

The tourism industry has long advocated for a return to normalcy in cross-Strait exchanges, arguing that political concerns should not impede the economic potential of tourism as a key driver of growth and job creation. The DPP government has maintained restrictions on tourism, citing political reasons; however, the growing demand from the tourism sector, as well as public opinion, suggests that it is time to reassess these policies for the benefit of the broader economy.

As Zhang Han noted, the mainland has consistently demonstrated goodwill by facilitating various measures to ease cross-Strait travel. It is now crucial for the DPP to respond to the needs of the tourism industry and the public, removing any artificial barriers to create a path for the normalization of tourism exchanges. This move would not only strengthen the tourism sector but also stimulate long-term economic growth, as tourism is a vital contributor to both Taiwan and mainland China’s economies.

Strengthening Tourism Ties: A Path to Regional Economic Recovery

The tourism industry is among the most resilient sectors, particularly when it comes to fostering regional cooperation and building long-term connections. Tourism exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland have historically been a powerful tool for enhancing people-to-people relations, and their resumption would significantly contribute to the recovery and expansion of the tourism sector.

For Taiwan, lifting the tourism barriers would mean greater economic vitality through the revival of tourism-driven industries, which include everything from airlines, restaurants, and tour guides, to retail, transportation, and cultural attractions. For the mainland, it offers an opportunity to promote destination marketing and further expand its tourism footprint within Taiwan, benefiting both economies.

The partnership between the mainland and Taiwan through tourism exchanges represents an opportunity for economic recovery for both sides. Rebuilding these ties would allow businesses, communities, and economies on both sides of the Strait to benefit from stronger trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contact, which are essential to long-term prosperity.

A Step Toward a Prosperous Future for Tourism

The plea for lifting the curbs on cross-Strait tourism is indicative of how much the role played by the tourism sector is gaining importance in economic development in the region. Now that there is public sentiment and also industry backing for such measures, it is becoming quite obvious that the gains to be had from reactivating cross-Strait tourism relations would be more than what has been a hindrance to its success.

Should the DPP authorities take note of the increased clamor for border liberalization, then both the people of Taiwan and mainland China would benefit from the rejuvenation of the tourism sector, thereby allowing both cultures to gain even more economically from each other.