China, Taiwan to launch tourist offices

For the first time in 60 years China and Taiwan will open tourist offices in each other's territory, officials said Sunday.

The news comes as first quarter statistics have shown the number of Chinese tourists travelling to Taiwan has surpassed the traditionally top ranking Japanese.

The Taiwan Strait Tourism Association is now scheduled to open an office in Beijing on May 4 according to AFP.

When complete, it is expected to provide Chinese tourists with more detailed information on tours in Taiwan, said a spokesman.

China will also capitalise on the number of increasing travellers between the two countries, with the head of the China National Tourism Administration and the Cross-Strait Tourism Association (CSTA) to launch a Taipei office on May 7.

The two offices will be the first semi-official representative offices to be set up by China and Taiwan since 1949, amid improving relations between the two governments.