The Fujian Tianhai International Travel Agency in Pingtan, Fujian province has become the first travel agency in the city partly funded by an overseas investor, ptnet.cn reported.

The company, a joint venture by the Fujian Liang’ang International Travel Agency and the Taiwan Tianhai Travel Agency, obtained its business license on June 9.

Fujian opened up its tourism industry to overseas investors in June, allowing them to set up travel agencies and do business in Pingtan, an island county that aims to become an international tourist destination.

The approval power was also delegated to the local authority in Pingtan.

Fujian Tianhai will mainly operate domestic business and inbound tourism. Its focus in the next stage is to introduce Taiwan’s advanced management modes and service, bringing Taiwanese tour guides and other staff to assist Pingtan, said an official with the travel agency.