Taiwan has become one of the most popular travel destinations for mainland residents during the winter holiday season thanks to an increase in the quota allowed for tour groups.[Photo by Wang Huabin/Asianewsphoto]

Taiwan's Economic Daily News reported on Jan 10 that each mainland traveler spent on average $232.15 a day in the first three quarters of last year, higher than the average of $221.45 spent by Japanese.

It is the first time that mainland tourists have taken the top spot since Taiwan opened up its group tourism to these visitors in 2008, and to individual mainland tourists in 2011.

Taiwan and mainland residents need visa-like entry permits for cross-Straits visits.

Ni Yongjie, deputy director of the Shanghai Institute of Taiwan Studies, referring to Taiwan's leadership election last weekend, said, "The mainland has always encouraged cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, before or after the island's political transition."

"I hope the new (Taiwan) government can consider the traveling demands of people from both sides and continue to launch favorable policies."