The quality of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan is under scrutiny, prompting the tourism industry to take joint action

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Since the opening of Taiwan to mainland Chinese tourists over three years ago, the average daily arrivals have gradually risen from 300 to over 3,000, with the total number surpassing 2.57 million. However, due to competition among operators, continually falling tour package prices, as well as recent incidents such as the Alishan small train accident, the plasticizer scare, and high-priced souvenir sales at souvenir shops in eastern Taiwan, the image of Taiwan as a tourist destination for mainland visitors has been severely affected. The Tourism Bureau and the travel industry have joined forces to take action. In addition to strengthening inspections, they are enforcing a minimum group tour package quotation of USD 60 and requiring shops to clearly label product contents and set reasonable prices.

The Consumer Protection Association stated that since March this year, it has dispatched personnel to inspect 32 jewelry, jade, gemstone, and luxury department stores in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Taitung. Items collected for inspection included diamonds, jade, coral, and cat's eye stones, which were sent to appraisal institutions. A total of 12 inspection rounds were conducted, appraising 102 items. For those found with unclear labeling or discrepancies, demerit points will be issued as penalties. The association also invited shops by region to participate in forums, requiring clearer labeling of product details and setting reasonable prices for goods such as jewelry and tea.

The Travel Agent Association of the Republic of China has also formulated a self-regulatory code of conduct and initiated self-discipline within the travel industry to jointly maintain the quality of tourism in Taiwan. To date, 169 receiving travel agencies have signed the code, accounting for approximately 90% of the market share of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan. In addition to reaffirming the relevant regulations set forth by the Tourism Bureau in the “Quality Guidelines for Travel Agencies Receiving Mainland Chinese Tour Groups,” the code also stipulates that the minimum quoted group tour price must not be less than USD 60, that shopping commissions must not exceed 30%, that tour payments must be made no later than 45 days after the group departs, and that the NT$600 entry/exit document processing fee must be charged separately and not included in the tour price, ensuring a business environment and tourism service quality level that balances market conditions with reason.