Cross-Straits Tourism Liaison Offices to Be Set Up

    The Cross-Straits Tourism Exchange Association (CTEA) and the Taiwan Strait Tourism and Travel Association (TSTTA) will set up liaison offices in Taipei and Beijing, a landmark for improved ties between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Both sides have filed applications to open offices to become the first public exchange institutions across the Taiwan Straits. It will be a great leap forward for cross-strait tourism exchanges. As of October 20, 2009, the total number of mainland visitors to Taiwan exceeded 500,000. The island was first opened to mainland tourists in July 2008.