The east Chinese coastal city of Xiamen has witnessed a surge of travelers from Taiwan by air in the first week of the implementation of a package of 10 policies and measures released by the Chinese mainland that focuses on cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation.
Located across the Taiwan Strait from the island, Xiamen serves as a a key entry point for Taiwan residents traveling to the mainland.
In the week that ended on April 19, Xiamen Airport's passenger traffic to and from Taiwan exceeded 10,000 trips, a year-on-year increase of 7.7 percent.
Following the implementation of the central government's new policy package, the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport has also upgraded their services to Taiwan travelers, including a special service package providing comprehensive assistance on key needs of first-time visitors such as transportation, tourism, and accommodation.
"At our international services center in Terminal 3, Xiamen Airport has integrated the distribution of Xiamen City's 'service package' with key services for Taiwan compatriots arriving in Xiamen, including customs guidance, cultural tourism consultation, communication services, and convenience payment assistance, allowing them to access all relevant help at a one-stop service outlet, thus improving their arrival experience," said Zhou Lin, deputy manager of operations support department at the airport. "Xiamen Airport is the first airport on the mainland to fully implement Minnan dialect (Hokkien) broadcasts, achieving full coverage of Minnan dialect announcements in the terminal. We have also formed a 'hometown dialect service team' to provide full-process assistance services for Taiwan passengers with special needs such as first-time travelers, elderly travelers, and those with mobility difficulties," said Cui Zhi, deputy team leader of the international check-in office.
The airport customs also streamlined customs clearance and security checks for cross-Strait travel, and added Minnan dialect information desks and assistance services for Taiwan visitors.
"It's my first time coming to Xiamen, but it feels very welcoming. I find it especially convenient that we can communicate in the same language," said a traveler from Taipei.
Xiamen city sees surge of Taiwan travelers following cross-Strait ties-enhancing policies
