Taiwan Tourism Administration Demands Removal of China Tour Ads at Travel Expo

The Taipei International Tourism Expo is set to open, but controversy has arisen as some operators openly displayed advertisements for cultural exchange tours to China. In response, Taiwan's Tourism Administration stated on May 21st that while the ban on group tours to China prohibits travel agencies from recruiting "unspecified" travelers for group tours, specific exchange or study tours with a Chinese inviting unit, defined purpose, specific locations, and participant qualifications are not subject to the ban. Nevertheless, the Tourism Administration has demanded that agencies cease displaying such recruitment advertisements and promotional materials during the expo and will dispatch personnel to investigate for any violations.