-
By Chen Yu-fu and Esme Yeh / Staff reporter, with staff writer
According to a Taiwanese researcher, the ongoing price-cutting competition in the travel sector could compromise the overall quality of travel experiences in China. This statement was made on Thursday following the Fujian Provincial Government’s recent initiative aimed at luring Taiwanese tourists to the region.
The provincial government announced a series of enticing cash bonuses, including amounts of 80,000 yuan (approximately US$11,250), 50,000 yuan, and 30,000 yuan, which will be awarded annually to the top three travel agencies that successfully draw the most Taiwanese visitors to Nanping City, Fujian Province.
Taiwanese travelers may prefer to explore destinations outside of China, as they perceive that traveling within the country poses safety risks. Wu Se-chih (吳瑟致), a researcher at Taiwan Thinktank, emphasized that these cash incentives highlight a lack of genuine interest among Taiwanese in visiting Fujian.
The Fujian Provincial Government’s aim to increase Taiwanese tourist numbers through aggressive marketing strategies is overshadowed by concerns of potential price wars among travel agencies competing for bonuses. Such price-driven strategies are likely to result in diminished service quality, Wu cautioned.
In recent years, the volume of Taiwanese tourists visiting China has significantly decreased. This decline follows an elevated travel warning issued by the Taiwanese government, which also prohibited group tours to China in light of Beijing’s announcement of its 22 guidelines aimed at countering pro-Taiwan independence sentiments.
In an effort to bolster cross-strait integration and exchanges, the Fujian Provincial Government is attempting to reverse the downward trend in Taiwanese tourism. However, Wu noted that the effectiveness of such “united front” initiatives may falter if they can’t entice Taiwanese visitors to the region.
This comprehensive effort encompasses several aspects, including promoting financial cooperation with Taiwan, encouraging Taiwanese professionals to relocate to Fujian, enhancing judicial services for Taiwanese arbitration institutions, and simplifying the process of life and travel in Fujian for Taiwanese nationals, Wu elaborated.
For instance, Taiwanese travelers will have the option to conduct mobile payments through digital cards offered by Industrial Bank via China UnionPay. Furthermore, a network of 60 banking and insurance institutions is set to be established, specifically catering to the financial needs of Taiwanese individuals and businesses.
To facilitate international financing avenues for Taiwanese enterprises, qualified companies operating in Fujian will have the opportunity to secure loans from external banks, bypassing the traditional foreign exchange bureaus.
Additionally, Taiwanese medical students whose qualifications have been vetted by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange will be permitted to register for China’s National Medical Licensing Examination after completing a year of work and passing the requisite evaluations in accredited hospitals in Fujian.
In a bid to attract healthcare professionals, Zhangzhou City plans to offer 240 job openings each year for Taiwanese nurses over the coming five years, coupled with an onboarding bonus ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 yuan. They will also receive annual bonuses between 1,000 and 10,000 yuan, dependent on their job tenure and performance indicators from Taiwan.
Moreover, Taiwanese civil and commercial arbitration entities will be granted permission to establish branches in Xiamen City, enabling them to conduct operations involving Hong Kong, Macau, and other foreign jurisdictions.
On Tuesday, the Mainland Affairs Council reiterated that Beijing’s efforts to implement favorable policies and initiatives aimed at attracting Taiwanese nationals and businesses are part of a broader strategy to revitalize its struggling economy.
Nevertheless, it asserted that many Taiwanese remain skeptical and disenchanted with Beijing’s authoritarian regime, leading them to be indifferent to these preferential measures.
**Interview with Wu Se-chih, Researcher at Taiwan Thinktank**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Wu. With China lifting tourism restrictions for Fujian residents to Taiwan, what does this mean for Taiwanese visitors?
**Wu Se-chih:** Thank you for having me. The recent move by the Fujian government to allow its residents to visit Taiwan again is significant, but it’s essential to understand that this policy shift follows a troubling trend of diminishing Taiwanese tourists to China. There’s a perception that traveling within China poses certain safety risks, which may deter Taiwanese travelers.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned safety concerns. Could you elaborate on that?
**Wu Se-chih:** Absolutely. In recent years, the Taiwanese government has issued elevated travel warnings to China. These advisories are linked to political tensions, and many Taiwanese citizens feel uncomfortable traveling to China, particularly in a climate where their safety and freedom are questioned. This emotional context plays a vital role in their travel decisions.
**Interviewer:** The Fujian Provincial Government has introduced cash bonuses for travel agencies to attract Taiwanese tourists. Do you believe this strategy will be effective?
**Wu Se-chih:** While the cash bonuses can serve as an incentive for travel agencies, they may spark a price-cutting competition that ultimately compromises the quality of travel experiences. Many Taiwanese travelers may not find these incentives compelling enough to visit Fujian if they perceive that safety and service quality could be at risk.
**Interviewer:** How do you view the broader implications of these promotional strategies on cross-strait relations?
**Wu Se-chih:** The “united front” initiatives by the Fujian government aim to improve ties and integration with Taiwan, which includes financial cooperation and efforts to encourage Taiwanese professionals to relocate. However, if they can’t successfully address the underlying concerns—such as safety and genuine interest—these marketing strategies may not yield the desired outcomes.
**Interviewer:** With competition intensifying among travel agencies, what advice would you offer to prospective travelers considering whether to visit Fujian?
**Wu Se-chih:** I would advise travelers to conduct thorough research and consider their personal safety and comfort levels before making any travel plans. Additionally, being aware of the conditions on the ground, including the quality of services being offered, can help make informed decisions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Wu.
**Wu Se-chih:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these discussions ongoing as the situation continues to evolve.
