Opening the gates
Views from the island on the weekend charter flights and visits by mainland tour groups
The deal will definitely help increase crossstrait exchanges, and I believe will also help promote tourism in Taiwan. I anticipate much better business after the mainland tourists arrive
Lin Yen-hsueh, duty-free store employee
The tourism deal will benefit Taiwan economically, but I don't think the effects will show in the short term. If the authorities are able to create a good impression for the tourists, more mainlanders will want to visit Taiwan
Bentham Hung, management consultant
If 3,000 tourists can come each day for an eightday trip, this means there will 24,000 travelling in Taiwan each day. Do we have enough tour buses to transport these people? Do we have enough parking spaces at tourist spots?
Shih Tai-chung, university student
I am afraid the design of Sungshan airport, which is the gateway to Taipei, may not be that impressive to mainland tourists. It was a domestic airport for 30 years and, despite the recent renovations, there is still much room for improvement
David Chi, tourism worker
There has been too much emphasis on what the tourists can buy and how they will help lift the economy, rather than how they will experience the democracy and freedom of press - things they can take back
Lloyd Roberts, Taipei law firm employee