Fujian: High speed rail expo tours

Travel agents in Fujian have big plans for the World Expo. The province has just launched a special high-speed rail travel package to bring in Taiwan tourists, just across the Strait.

High-speed rail service between Fuzhou and Shanghai takes only 5 hours. The Fujian branch of China Travel Service has exclusive rights to the High Speed Rail Tours for the World Expo. And it's counting on its location to bring in tourists from Taiwan.

Wang Ying, vice general manager of Inbound Tours,CTS, said, "Once in Fujian, they can stay in the region for 2 to 3 days. And then they can take the high-speed rail to Shanghai for the World Expo."

Packages range from 900 yuan to 3,000 yuan each. The tour operator says it's already signed cooperative deals with some travel firms in Taiwan. Island residents can apply with them.

Wang Ying said, "Travel agencies in Taiwan are already estimating that the event could help Fujian attract 800,000 to 1 million Taiwan tourists this year."

Tour operators say World Expo-theme travel services are extremely popular in Taiwan. Fujian tourism authorities are also planning more World Expo tour packages to attract overseas Chinese from Southeast Asian countries, like the Philippines and Malaysia.