(Bloomberg) --
China's ban on individual travel to Taiwan has led to a sharp drop in Chinese visitors in the past two months.
The number of mainlanders traveling to Taiwan plunged by 52.5% year-on-year in October, according to data from its Tourism Bureau. This followed a big dip in September. October's monthly drop was the biggest since Taiwan relaxed rules in 2008 to let Chinese tourists visit, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
As a result of the falling number of Chinese tourists, Taiwan's total visitor arrivals last month fell 2.15% from the same period the previous year, according to the tourism bureau. Visitor growth in the first 10 months slowed to 9.05%, or 9.73 million arrivals.
China imposed a travel ban on individual travelers to Taiwan with effect from Aug. 1, although Chinese nationals are still allowed to visit in tour groups. The move came as Beijing attempted to isolate Taiwan and Tsai Ing-wen, its independence-leaning president.
Read More:
Taiwan Set for First Drop in Tourists Since 2003 After China Ban
China Imposes Taiwan Travel Ban in Warning Shot to President
To contact the reporter on this story: Chinmei Sung in Taipei at csung4@bloomberg.net
To contact the editors responsible for this story: Samson Ellis at sellis29@bloomberg.net, Magdalene Fung
©2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
