Lien Chan hails cross-straits weekend flights

This weekend marks a historic step forward in cross-strait relations as the first weekend charter flights fly from the Chinese mainland to Taiwan.

Shao Qiwei (1st L), chairman of the Cross-Straits Tourism Communication Association (CSTCA) of the Chinese mainland, speaks after presenting a gift to Chinese Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan (C) and his wife Lien Fang-yu, in Taipei of southeast China's Taiwan Province July 5, 2008. Shao paid a visit to Lien on Saturday. (Xinhua Photo)

The honorary chairman of the KMT, Lien Chan, says these flights and mainland tourist trips are a great contribution to cross-Straits relations. He was speaking with the chairman of the Mainland's Cross-Straits Tourism Communication Association, Shao Qiwei.

Lien Chan says the two events will benefit both sides. He's confident it will stimulate consumption and the economy, and improve understanding and strengthen cooperation.

Shao Qiwei thanked the former KMT leader for his contributions to two-way relations, and invited him and his family to tour the Mainland. Shao also talked about the development of the Mainland's tourism industry.

Mainland visitors warmly welcomed in Taiwan

Mainland visitors have been warmly welcomed by tourism authorities in Taiwan. 760 mainland tourists took off on an unprecedented visit to Taiwan on Friday. They arrived on the first wave of regular weekend cross-straits charter flights in nearly six decades.

Taoyuan International Airport was the busiest among the eight airports in Taiwan where planes touched down after a non-stop flight from the mainland.

The first flight from Taiwan heading to the mainland also took off from its runways. Flight 7957 from Taiwan's China Airlines departed around 7:30 A-M on Friday.

Forty minutes later,the airport received the first mainland plane coming from Guangzhou.

Fire trucks shot water at the carrier in a welcoming gesture.

A PhD student from the City University of Hong Kong was the first to step off the plane. She was granted a medal symbolizing the historic moment by airport authorities.

First mainland tourist arriving in Taiwan said, "I am so surprised because there are still many other travellers on the plane. And being the first mainland tourist arriving in Taiwan also makes me feel special."

Traditional lion dances were performed at the airport as mainland travellers arrived.

The airport also saw hundreds of representatives from many different cities and counties on the island introducing their tourism services.

Later in the day, local authorities held a banquet to welcome the guests, featuring local dances and songs.

The director of the State Administration of Tourism, Shao Qiwei, said the visit means personal exchange across the straits has entered a new stage.

Janice Lai Seh-Jen, a Taiwan tourism official, hopes mainland visitors will feel Taiwan's sincerity and originality during their stay.