SHENZHEN travel agents are now eagerly preparing tours to Taiwan for locals, after the Central Government on Sunday (Apr 16) revealed regulations for mainland residents traveling to the island.

"We have already planned five programs," said Zhao Jinghua, general manager of Shenzhen China Merchants International Travel Service. "Long before the issuance of those regulations, we had worked with our counterparts in Taiwan to prepare tour programs as we've been interested to promote Taiwan in Shenzhen," Zhao said. "We've also been ready with photographs and brochures."

Travel agents are now waiting for official sanction from the National Tourism Administration (NTA), which would allow them to operate tours to Taiwan.

Liao Weiping, general manager of Shenzhen Jubang Travel Service, claimed that his company would launch a large-scale promotion soon after it became eligible to conduct Taiwan tours.

Major attractions in Taiwan include the Sun Moon Lake, Mt. Alishan, Taipei Finance Center 101 and Tai Lu Ge geographic park. The island is also famous for its hot springs and delicious snacks. Although city agents would not reveal the cost of a trip to Taiwan, a mainland traveler should expect to pay between 6,000 (US$740.74) and 10,000 yuan.

Meanwhile, Shenzhen tourism industry insiders predicted that Shenzhen would become an ideal stopover for mainland tour groups leaving for Taiwan via Hong Kong.

Chi Xiongbiao, head of local tourism bureau, wouldn't comment too much on the issue, saying all operations would be carried out upon notification from the Central Government.

The NTA, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council jointly issued the Procedures for the Management of Mainland Residents Traveling to the Taiwan Region on Sunday.

Mainland visitors can tour Taiwan in groups organized by designated mainland travel agencies, while Taiwan travel agencies receiving mainland tourists also need to be confirmed by the relevant departments on the mainland.

Editor: Wing