Core Insights - The recent surge in tourism to Kinmen during the "Eleventh" holiday has been significantly driven by the "Mini Three Links" policy, allowing increased travel from mainland China [1][2] - From October 1 to 8, over 10,000 mainland tourists visited Kinmen, contributing to a total of over 200,000 visitors since the resumption of travel last September [1] - The influx of tourists has revitalized local industries, including accommodation, transportation, dining, and retail [1][5] Tourism Growth - The number of mainland tourists visiting Kinmen has consistently increased since the reopening of travel for Fujian residents, with the "Eleventh" holiday seeing particularly high demand [2] - Local accommodations, such as guesthouses, reported full bookings, with nearly 90% of guests coming from mainland China [1][5] - The demand for electric vehicle rentals has surged, with all available vehicles often booked in advance due to the dispersed nature of tourist attractions [1] Economic Impact - The restaurant industry has experienced a significant boost, with long queues reported at popular dining spots, indicating a strong consumer base among mainland tourists [5] - Local businesses have noted a substantial increase in revenue, with some reporting nearly double their earnings compared to the previous month [6] - Payment methods such as Alipay and WeChat Pay have been widely adopted, enhancing the shopping experience for tourists [7] Cultural Engagement - Tourists are engaging in local cultural activities, such as guided tours and festivals, which have been well-received and are attracting a high percentage of participants from Fujian [6] - Kinmen's historical and cultural offerings are appealing to visitors, with many expressing a desire to explore more of Taiwan beyond Kinmen [8]

Core Insights - The tourism industry in Taiwan is experiencing a significant decline in demand, particularly due to the sharp decrease in visitors from mainland China [1][2] - Industry professionals are urging the Taiwanese government to reopen borders to mainland tourists to revive market demand and support the tourism sector [1][2] Group 1: Tourism Demand Decline - Visitor numbers to Alishan, a major tourist attraction, have plummeted from over 2.7 million in 2014 and 2015 to less than 900,000 last year, with July and August this year seeing even lower figures compared to the same months last year [1] - The overall number of tourists to Taiwan in the first half of this year was 4.19 million, which is only about 70% of the levels seen in the same period of 2019, indicating a significant gap compared to global tourism recovery [2] Group 2: Impact on Local Businesses - Local businesses, including tea shops and restaurants in tourist areas like Alishan, are reporting drastic reductions in sales and foot traffic, with some businesses seeing income drop by several tens of percent [2] - The absence of mainland tourists has led to a noticeable decline in activity at popular sites across Taiwan, such as Sun Moon Lake and Gaomei Wetlands, where previously crowded conditions have turned sparse [2] Group 3: Regional Tourism Highlights - In contrast, tourism in Kinmen has shown positive signs, with the resumption of mainland tourist visits leading to increased foot traffic in local attractions during the recent holiday period [3] - The "small three links" between Kinmen and mainland China have seen stable growth, with over one million visitors recorded by the end of July this year, suggesting a potential recovery in this specific region [3]