CRI听力:Travel Agencies Make Contingency Plans Following Earthquake in Taiwan

China National Tourism Administration spokesman Zhang Jilin says there has not been any word of injuries involving citizens from the Chinese mainland.

"So far, we haven't received any reports on casualties among tourists from the Chinese mainland. And firstly we are checking the situation of tourist groups in Taiwan. We have initiated an emergency response plan."

In the meantime, major travel agencies have taken measures to check on the safety of their tourists in the island.

China International Travel Service has called its tourists in Taiwan to report on their safety to their families and to make changes to their following-up travel plans.

Xu Xiaolei is from the tour-booking website aoyou.com, under the China Youth Travel Service.

"We have contacted, one by one, all of the 240 people who ordered the tour trips or self-service travel. They are all confirmed safe. In the meantime, for those people who booked our single services like plane tickets, hotels or Entry Permits, we also sent text messages to remind them of safety. "
Xu says steps have been taken to help any tourists who wish to postpone or cancel their travel plans to Taiwan during the upcoming holidays.

"If any consumers want to cancel their travel, we will try our best to avoid their losses by cooperating with them based on the contract and relevant laws. We will keep monitoring the situation. We will also compensate those who had to change their travel plans."

Travel agencies are urging those who have chosen to stick to their travel plans in Taiwan to be careful.

Xu Xiaolei from China Youth Travel Service has some advice.

"For those to travel in groups, they should follow the direction from the guide and tour leader. For those who are on self-service travel, they need to pay attention to the reports of local media. Once there is any sign of earthquake, they should immediately run to the open ground and call the local police for help. They can also call the 24-hour hot line of aoyou.com."

All flights to Taiwan are currently operating normally.

The tremor caused temporary delays for high-speed rail travelers in southern Taiwan.

For CRI, this is Yu Yang.