Tourist offices to open across Straits

Taiwan and the mainland plan to establish semi-official tourism offices on each side by the end of the year in what would be a milestone in cross-Straits ties.

Taiwan's "tourism bureau" deputy director-general David Hsieh said in Taipei yesterday that the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association will set up an office in Beijing and the Beijing-based Cross-Straits Tourism Exchange Association will establish an office in Taipei.

"The offices will promote cross-Straits tourism and deal with tourist disputes and accidents," Hsieh said. "The two sides may also send government officials to staff the offices."