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SPECULATION is mounting after China suspiciously removed Taiwan from two of its travel destination lists.
Taiwan has expressed fears about a complete summer travel ban that could significantly impact its tourism revenues.
Two major Chinese websites – LY.com and Lvmana Tourism – recently released travel research that omitted Taiwan despite being the seventh most popular destination for Chinese tourists.
Separate research by Skyscanner suggested that in 2015, Taiwan was the most-favored destination for Chinese tourists.
According to The News Lens, Taiwanese travel agencies have expressed that the omissions were unusual and may be a warning sign for increased cross-strait tension between Taiwan and China.
China Post reports that despite rumors about a travel ban, Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau denied the claims, citing information from associations in Beijing and Shanghai.
However, Lai Chang-yi, the director of the General Chamber of Commerce of China said that the number of Chinese tourists entering Taiwan has taken a 20 percent dip since June, which could have a huge impact on local businesses in the long run.
Recently, a satirical series of photos from Taiwan went viral on Facebook; the photos suggested that the Taiwanese locals were relieved and celebratory about the decrease of China tourists into the country.
The parody ads were overlaid over photos of local scenery and carried slogans such as “without Chinese tourists, it’s now possible to relax in the most popular destinations” and “no more trouble caused by Chinese tourists; a carefree journey starts here.”
Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau strongly criticized the photos and said that tourism encourages communication between different cultures and should not become a source of conflict and prejudice.
“People who discriminate against mainland Chinese tourists lack tolerance and diversity, and they also tend to discriminate against people from other cultures and social classes.”
A bureau official added, “Taiwan certainly welcomes mainland China tourists.”
The post Taiwan fears decrease in inbound Chinese tourists amid rumors of travel ban appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com