Lower prices and more convenient application procedures for travel to Taiwan is possible in the near future as a result of sluggish interest in cross-strait tours.

Since July 18, residents of 13 mainland provinces and cities have been allowed to visit the island in groups under an agreement between mainland and Taiwan authorities.

More than 21,000 people have traveled to and from Taiwan since the agreement went into effect. But the number accounts for only about 28 percent of the overall travel quota, the Oriental Morning Post reported.

Prices of tour packages vary from more than 12,000 yuan (US$1,756) for 10-day trips to about 6,000 yuan for five days.

"The highest price is about the same as a tour package for 10 days in America or Europe," an insider of the tourism industry said.

In addition, mainland tourists are subject to a daily minimum consumption mandate of US$80 by Taiwan authorities.

Some tourists also complained about procedures.

Li Yan, a Fudan university student who returned from Taiwan three weeks ago, said, "I needed to apply for a deposit document from my bank to prove my economic standing, which took quite some time."

In tourism promotions in Beijing and Nanjing last week, Taiwan authorities said they will reappraise mainland tourists' minimum consumption standard. Prices of tour packages might be reduced as much as by 60 percent, according to Xinhua news agency.

Taiwan authorities also said they will simplify the approval procedures and relax restrictions on free time.

(Shanghai Daily October 22, 2008)