TAIPEI: A new mechanism designed to ensure that mainland tourists enjoy a quality experience during their travels in Taiwan goes into operation today.

The Tourism Bureau will begin scrutinizing itineraries of inbound mainland tours and assess quality before entry permits for visits are even granted.

The more stringent measures arose from one ugly incident in particular. On April 29, nine mainland tour groups were left stranded and unable to complete their tours because their travel agencies failed to book sufficient transportation.

The problem arose in part because of a government restriction prohibiting coaches of more than seven years old from transporting mainland tourists. The bureau moved quickly to assure that didn't happen again. On May 1, tour operators were permitted to use coaches up to 10 years old, with engines of at least 7,000 cc.

The bureau also suggested an online instant approval mechanism able to scrutinize the quality of a tour in advance.

The bureau delineated tourists, hotels, tour guides and tourist coaches as the four key elements of a travel tour.

In the past, local travel agencies were required to prove only one day before the arrival of a tour that hotels, restaurants and shopping arrangements met the $60 minimum requirement, and whether the companies had signed annual contracts in place with coach companies.

Under the new requirements, tour operators will be required to furnish all these proofs before entry permits are granted.

The bureau has also started spot checks on tours organized by agencies on a blacklist. The bureau sends staff members to follow some tours to keep a check on quality.

At the completion of the tours, the bureau will also gather comments from mainland tourists to enhance quality assessment.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 07/01/2009 page2)