For the first time in history, Taiwan tourism operators attended the China International Tourism Mart which opened on Thursday in Kunming City, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Consisting of Taiwan hotels, theme parks and travel agencies, the 175 members delegation has attracted audiences since the first day of the mart.

In the past, only a small number of Taiwan travel agencies and few operators were allowed to visit the mart but were not allowed to have their own booths. This time, 43 exhibitors of 25 booths took part in the exhibition.

They all hoped to promote Taiwan tourism and get ready for future mainland visitors, said Zhang Xuelao, chairman of Taiwan Tourism Association.

Although the Taiwan authority still does not allow mainland visitors, he said, many tourism operators are pushing to promote the natural landscapes in Taiwan after a visit by a senior official delegation early this month.

Visitors to Taiwan booths carefully read written material in simplified Chinese. A few Beijing travel agencies prepare Taiwan trips and can organize group trips when policy allows.

(China.org.cn Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2005)