Cruise Vacation: Call 1-

Windstar Cruises, Windstar Cruise Vacations: Windstar Cruises Guide Windstar Cruises Vacations: Windstar Cruises Information Site Index Windstar Cruises Vacation Guide; Romantic Windstar Cruises Virtuoso, Windstar Cruises Vacation Specialists Windstar Cruise Vacation: Call 1- 800 330 8820 to book. Windstar Cruises Destinations WindStar Caribbean Cruises WindStar The Americas Cruises WindStar Europe Cruises WindStar Greek Isles Cruises WindStar Trans Atlantic Cruises Windstar Cruises Luxury Cruise Vacations Windstar Cruises - A Unique Concept In Cruising "Pioneering Line Celebrates 15th Anniversary" Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180 From Ordinary," Windstar Cruises was created in the mid-1980''s with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar Cruises passenger sees the world from a romantic sailing ship with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Well known for cruising off the beaten path, throughout 2002 Windstar Cruises celbrated our 15th year of sailing to exotic locales and hidden harbors that larger ships cannot access. These stately vessels turn heads from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to the Far East. The Windstar Cruise Ships In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design. Windstar''s ships are officially masted-sail-yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer micro-chips and navigational devices. The unusual "open-bridge" operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship''s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers. The 148-passenger Wind Star was joined by sister ships the msy Wind Song in 1987, and msy Wind Spirit in 1988. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises. Nearly a decade later in 1998, the 308-passenger msy Wind Surf was acquired by Windstar. Sailing originally as Club Med I, the Wind Surf was built in 1990 in the same shipyard to strikingly similar specifications as her sister ships, making her a perfect match for the four fleet family. Windstar Cruises Shipboard Life Windstar''s unique concept of sailing has lead the cruise industry in the luxury small ship, casual attire, and alternative dining arenas. Pioneering and refining these concepts has earned Windstar an excellent reputation and market niche, winning the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary cruise vacationers, one-third of whom are first-time cruisers. Teak decking, rich wood interiors, an attentive service staff, intimate surroundings, eclectic artwork, exceptional signature cuisine featuring both light and vegetarian menu selections, and an extensive wine list are some of the extraordinary elements which have become synonymous with Windstar. Features unique to the Wind Surf include 31 deluxe suites, a Business/Internet Center, The Bistro, and the 10,000 square foot WindSpa offering a full array of spa treatments, consultative, health and fitness programs. Windstar Cruises Passengers are cradled in comfort as all staterooms and suites offer ocean views, sitting area, TV, VCR, CD player, safe, mini-bar/refrigerator, international direct- dial phones, bathroom with toiletries, hair dryer, plush robes, and plenty of closet space. The library on board stocks an array of international newspapers, books and games, as well as a multi-media selection of more than 500 video titles and compact discs available for complimentary check-out. Carrying just 148 to 308 guests, Windstar cruise ships exude a private yacht-like atmosphere creating camaraderie and lasting friendships between fellow sailors. Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new horizons and harbors to explore. Windstar Cruises Destinations and Activities Newly announced destinations for 2003 include Northern Europe, Baltic, Malta and Tunisia. New itineraries complement tried and true Windstar favorites such as the Greek and Turkish Isles, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and Trans-Atlantic crossings. An interesting mix of shore excursions and complimentary water sports activities are available at each destination. Passengers may find themselves slicing through Caribbean waters aboard an actual America''s Cup racing yacht, or exploring archaeological ruins in Greece, the "Cradle of Civilization." Water buffs can enjoy complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and "banana" boat rides from the ship''s aft Water Sports Platform. Windstar's cruise vacations offer a sea-side window on the world, combining the refinement of a luxury hotel with a moveable feast of cultural experiences. Seattle-based Windstar Cruises operates the 308-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit. The three sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation. Note: The Crystal Cruise prices listed in this guide are published fares - we often have cruise specials at substantially lower rates. Please use our "Cruise Vacation Planner" and our agents will tell you about all available specials. We are a member of Virtuoso - Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "a network of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, and Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. During this time of price volatility in the travel and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until you make a deposit. Click here to book your Windstar Cruise Vacation Click here to submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Windstar Cruises Cruise Information The Windstar Fleet Wind Spirit & Wind Star Wind Surf Windstar Dining Experience A Typical Day Aboard WindSpa Other Helpful Travel Links Helpful Cruise Info Contact Us Full Service Luxury WindStar Cruise Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury WindStar vacation with our full service Virtuoso Travel Consultants. We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Travel Consultants, and can arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree cruise experience at no extra charge! You may call our Virtuoso Travel Consultants, but first, we'd really appreciate it if you complete our "Luxury WindStar Cruise Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury vacation . Full Service, Worldwide Luxury Tour Vacation Planner Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your luxury tour vacation with our full service Virtuoso Luxury Tour Consultants. We can arrange every little detail of your tour vacation, including air, and pre-tour and post-tour arrangements to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! When you complete our "Luxury Tour Vacation Planner" our Virtuoso--Travel Consultants will promptly call you, provide you with their direct toll free telephone number, all your options, and up-to-the-minute specials . Call 1- 800 -330 -8820 to book your luxury tour vacation . Regional Travel and Vacation Guides Africa Asia Australia Caribbean Islands Canada Central America Europe Fiji Islands Hawaiian Islands Indian Ocean Costa Rica Mexico Mediterranean Middle East New Zealand South America South Pacific Tahiti Islands United States Special Interest Vacations Corporate Vacations Adventure Travel Ski Vacations Culinary Vacations Small Ship Vacations Virtuoso Hotels Spa Vacations Private Jet Vacations Family Vacations Food and Wine Scuba Diving All-inclusive Vacations River Cruises Luxury Villas Luxury Tours Honeymoon Specials Wedding Vacations National Geographic Space Adventures Yacht Charters Golfing Vacations Active Vacations Biking Vacations Hiking Vacations Sports Travel Train Vacations ClubMed Vacations Luxury Cruise Destinations Luxury Cruises Cruise Vacations South Pacific/Tahiti Hawaiian Islands Scandinavia Alaska Cruises Caribbean Panama Canal Mexico Cruises Mediterranean West Europe Western British Isles/ Ireland Greek Isle/Aegean Bermuda Cruises Costa Rica South America River Amazon Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Africa Southern Canarys/North Africa Far East/Orient Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific Russia Europe East Coast Cruises India Cruises Israel/Egypt New England/Canada Red Sea/Suez Canal West Coast World Cruises Baltic/Russia Luxury Cruise Lines Crystal Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Windstar Cruises Clipper Cruises Silversea Cruises Oceania Cruises Am West Steamboat Princess Cruises European River Norwegian Cruise ResidenSea Holland America Line Sea Dream Yacht Club American Safari Travel Dynamics Seabourn Cruise Orient Express Royal Caribbean Orient Lines Star Clippers Cunard Line Costa Cruises Cruise West Celebrity Cruises National Geographic Hebridean Cruises MSC Cruises Lindblad Expeditions Peter Deilmann Viking River Cruises Swan Hellenic Delta Queen River Zegrahm Expeditions Disney Cruises Tauck Discovery French Waterways The Moorings Int'l Expeditions Carnival Cruise Great American River Journeys About Travel Wizard Advertising Info Privacy Contact Information Home We accept credit cards: During this time of price volatility in the travel, tour and cruise industry, please be advised the Windstar Cruises pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, Windstar Cruises prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Career Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Windstar Cruises Vacation Dept. All rights reserved.

Germany Travel

Regensburg, Germany - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger,Sheboygan, Wisconsin Regensburg SteinerneBrcke (1135 - 1146) Regensburg , city in southeastern Germany, in Bavaria, a port at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. Along with its shipyards, the city's industries manufacture processed food, machines, leather goods, chemicals, and printed materials. on the Danube Salt House in background Regensburg is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany. in the old city building detail the windows Among the many historical buildings here are Saint Peter's Cathedral (begun 13th century), the former city hall (14th-18th century), Saint James's Church (early 12th century), and Saint Emmeram's Church (5th century). the locksmith's shop Its abbey of the Benedictines became an important center of European learning, and the abbey's library contains more than 200,000 books and illuminated manuscripts. Saint Peter's Cathedral has maintained a well-known boys' choir for more than 1000 years, and has a museum of medieval and Renaissance church art. the cathedral spire passage from the Bishop's residence to the cathedral The city's Stone Bridge across the Danube (completed 1146) was the only Danube crossing for hundreds of years, and was the starting point of the second and third Crusades. The city is the seat of a university. the square different style window treatment Around 500BC Regensburg was a settlement of the Celts. The Romans later utilized the community as a fortress city from the 2nd century to the 5th century. Porta Praetoria Northern gate of the Roman Fort Regensburg became a free imperial city in 1245. From 1663 to 1806 it was the permanent seat of the diet of the Holy Roman Empire and one of its most important commercial and political centers. Saint Albertus Magnus taught in Regensburg from 1236 to 1240 and was its bishop from 1260 to 1262. Bischofshof the restaurant The painter and architect Albrecht Altdorfer spent most of his life in Regensburg. In 1810 the city became a Bavarian possession. Population (1990 estimate) 120,900. Text from Microsoft Encarta Returnto Germany page Returnto Europe page Returnto People and Places

mexico Travelbymexico.com le presenta

Mexico Guia Turistica de Mexico | Travel By Mexico ; mexico, hotel, hoteles, ciudades, cancun mexico, puerto vallarta mexico, los cabos mexico, acapulco, oaxaca, san cristobal de las casas, videos, mapas Vacaciones en Puerto Vallarta !! busqueda por ciudades Si Ud. está planeando realizar un viaje de placer o de negocios a alguna ciudad especifica de México, esta es la seccion adecuada, ya que aqui encontrara la informacion detallada de cada una de las principales ciudades y destinos turisticos de nuestro pais, solo haga click en la ciudad de su interes y Travel By Mexico, le ayudara a encontrar justo lo que ud. esta buscando. La sección ofrece reportajes, mapas interactivos, fotografias, videos, lugares de interes, consejos, hoteles, restaurantes... busqueda por estados Esta sección presenta la información turística que cada una de las 32 entidades federativas del pais pueden ofrecer. Aquí, En el estado que ud. haya elegido, encontrará mapas de carreteras, reportajes, ferias, dependencias de gobierno, poblados, lugares de interes y en general, toda la informacion estatal que se requiere para conocer las diferentes regiones de mexico. seccion todo acerca de mexico Travelbymexico.com le presenta la información mas completa y detallada acerca de la Republica Mexicana, esta seccion nacional ofrece mapas interactivos multimedia de carreteras, mapas climaticos, mapas regionales, videos, consejos, embajadas, visas, requisitos gubernamentales, enlaces a las diferentes ciudades y destinos turisticos de nuestro pais y de cada estado, etc...Si usted desea conocer todo mexico, esta es la seccion adecuada Atractivos Turisticos La belleza de Mexico se aprecia en un sinfin de atractivos turisticos, todos ellos guardando en si mismos el conocimiento y la historia de un pais extraordinario. Zonas arqueologicas de magia milenaria contrastan con modernas ciudades, teniendo a nuestros ojos magnificos monumentos, plazas, museos, centros culturales, etc. ¡Y la naturaleza! Todos los climas, todos los paisajes existen en Mexico: un mosaico turistico sin igual. Mapas de carreteras Travelbymexico.com, siempre a la vanguardia, ofrece los mejores mapas interactivos de la red. Todas las carreteras y autopistas de Mexico se muestran con lujo de detalle, permitiendo al usuario manipular cada uno de los mapas de una manera sencilla y rapida. ¿Planea hacer un viaje en familia por carretera? ¡Navegue en las paginas de travelbymexico.com! Conozca los destinos turisticos mas importantes y los mapas carreteros que necesita para realizar ese viaje tan esperado. Ferias de la Ciudad Mexico es un pais de tradiciones, de historia y calidez humana. Gracias a esto, a lo largo de su territorio se realizan una gran cantidad de ferias, festivales y eventos cuyo arraigo los ha hecho parte fundamental de las familias mexicanas. Millones de turistas regresan año con año para vivir de cerca la magia y el colorido de Mexico, diversificado en su gastronomia, comercios ambulantes, artesanias, musica, baile y fiesta interminable. ¡Conozca las ferias y festivales mas importantes del pais y viva Mexico al maximo! Bienvenido a Travelbymexico.com Travel By Mexico le da la bienvenida al portal turistico mas completo y moderno acerca de Mexico. Gracias a la preferencia de los mejores prestadores de servicios turisticos mexicanos, nuestro sitio se ha convertido en la principal referencia de informacion turistica de la Republica Mexicana que actualmente se puede encontrar en la red. Durante mas de cinco años, Travel By Mexico ha auxiliado a miles y miles de visitantes a encontrar todo lo necesario para que su viaje de placer o negocios resulte un exito. Con un diseño facil, moderno y extremadamente rapido, lo invitamos a navegar y conocer las diferentes opciones turisticas que nuestros miembros le ofrecen. Estamos seguros que todas sus necesidades de informacion acerca de nuestro pais, quedaran plenamente cubiertas y satisfechas. Gracias por su visita. Hoteles de mexico Para el turista o el viajero de negocios, es muy importante saber las opciones que tiene a la mano para tener una estadia placentera y conveniente a donde quiera que vaya. Por eso travelbymexico.com le ofrece una seccion de Hoteles en los destinos turisticos mas importantes de Mexico. Nuestros miembros, siempre al pendiente de dar lo mejor a sus huespedes, ofrecen grandes promociones y excelentes servicios. Consulte la seccion Hoteles de travelbymexico.com y tenga la mejor estancia de su vida. restaurantes Si es verdad que el amor entra por el estomago, ¡entonces Mexico es el mejor lugar para enamorarse! Las delicias gastronomicas de la comida mexicana, con exquisitos ingredientes e ingeniosas recetas, deleita el paladar del turismo internacional en una increible variedad de restaurantes. La tarjeta de presentacion de cada uno es el propio menu: un gama de sabores y aromas que lo atrapara por completo. Visite la seccion Restaurantes y conozca a los mejores: los miembros de travelbymexico.com, quienes lo atienden con una sonrisa y satisfacen los gustos mas exigentes. servicios Para viajar no solo necesitamos saber donde comer o donde hospedarnos; tambien es importante saber que contamos con agencias de viaje, guia de turistas, renta de autos, tintoreria o lavanderia, asi como una extensa gama de servicios utiles que podran ayudarle en cualquier momento. ¡Que espera! Navegue por las paginas de nuestro sitio y tenga la informacion que necesita cuando Usted lo necesita. Travelbymexico.com, el sitio de Mexico en el mundo. informacion de las ciudades ¿Sabe Usted todo lo necesario sobre aquel destino que ha elegido para viajar? Ademas de saber donde hospedarse o donde comer, ¿sabe Usted cuales son sus principales atractivos turisticos, museos, parques, plazas o centros culturales? ¿Quiere saber un poco de la historia de la ciudad? ¡Siempre es muy interesante conocer mas! Navegando en las paginas de travelbymexico.com, Usted podra conocer mas de los principales destinos turisticos del pais, teniendo a la mano informacion general siempre util e interesante. mapas de la ciudad Travelbymexico.com es el unico sitio que muestra mapas interactivos de los principales destinos de Mexico. Cada mapa cuenta con un diseño preciso, gracias al cual Usted podra observar con lujo de detalle todas las calles y avenidas de la ciudad de su interes. Y no solo eso: el usuario puede manipular el mapa interactivo, arrastrandolo con un simple click para tener mas detalle de una seccion, o amplificar con el boton de zoom cuantas veces necesite. Los mapas de travelbymexico.com son los unicos que permiten movilidad al 100% sin perdida de tiempo. ¡Compruebelo!. postales electronicas ¿Le gustaria compratir fotos de su visita con amigos o familiares? ¡Hagalo en cualquier momento! Envie postales virtuales con travelbymexico.com, teniendo un banco de las mejores imagenes de cada ciudad. Solo entre a la seccion Postales: elija la imagen de su agrado, escriba un saludo y envie a su destinatario con un solo click. Nuestro sistema de envio de postales es el unico servicio que ofrece la opcion de respuesta por parte del destinatario. ¡El mas avanzado sistema para compartir imagenes gratis! Inscribete Travel By Mexico le recomienda... slide show de atractivos Antes de viajar haga un tour virtual por la ciudad de su eleccion y conozca mas acerca del destino que piensa visitar. Travelbymexico.com es el unico sitio en la red que ofrece al usuario Slide Shows con fotografias de los principales atractivos turisticos en cada ciudad. Vea nuestros Slide Shows en las paginas de cada ciudad o Estado, cargando siempre de manera inmediata, permitiendo al usuario navegar y observar cada imagen sin tener que sufrir largas esperas. ¡El mejor tour virtual que pueda tener al alcance de la mano ! telefonos de emergencia Siempre es importante contar con la asesoria directa de alguna dependencia administrativa, sea esta de turismo, economia, relaciones exteriores, etc. Pensando en Usted, travelbymexico.com ofrece un listado de numeros telefonicos de las dependencias estatales y gubernamentales mas importantes. Ademas sabemos que un turista precavido vale por dos, y por eso tambien el usuario encontrara en ese listado los principales numeros de emergencia en cada ciudad: ambulancias, hospitales, departamento de policia, bomberos, etc. videos de mexico Si el tour virtual del Slide Show no ha sido suficiente, travelbymexico.com cuenta con un archivo de videos en linea que brindara una vision mas completa del destino de su eleccion, incluyendo tambien una breve descripcion en audio. Podemos grantizar que no existe en la red sitio alguno que sea capaz de integrar un acervo visual tan amplio, con videos cuya carga en linea es tan veloz que jamas tendra que esperar. Entre a cualquier pagina de ciudades o Estados y busque el link directo para ver los exclusivos videos de travelbymexico.com, el sitio de Mexico en el mundo. Nuevo ! Le invitamos a visitar el nuevo Foro (Blog) de Travelbymexico, donde podra comentar todo lo relacionado a Mexico, tambien encontrara, reportajes y noticias relacionadas con el turismo en nuestro pais. Click Aqui para visitarlo. Vota Aqui... Vota Aqui... "Si el sitio es de su agrado, le invitamos a votar por nosotros dando click sobre la imagen" Importante ! Le invitamos a descargar la ultima version del plug-in de Flash, para poder visualizar correctamente todos los videos y fotografias que se encuentran en este portal. Para descargarlo Click Aqui Resolución Mínima de 800x600 | Este sitio requiere del Plug-In de Flash | Click Aqui para Descargarlo © Copyrigth 2001, Travel By México, S.A. de C.V. | Envíanos tus Comentarios -- Mapa del Sitio --

Japan Travel and Japanese

Japan Travel and Japanese Culture - Japan Travel Tips  You are here: About > Travel > Japan for Visitors > Plan Your Trip to Japan > Japan Hot Topic > Japan Travel and Japanese Culture - Japan Travel Tips Travel Go Japan Essentials Clickable Map of Japan Japan Pictures Japan Travel Tips Japanese Geisha Japan 101 - Fact about Japan Articles & Resources Japan Maps Picture of Japan / Web cams Best of Japan / Attractions Hotels/Accommodations Tokyo / Cities / Regions Japanese Translators Japanese Culture Etiquette / Living in Japan Japan Weather / Geography Japan History / Samurai Japanese Penpal / Chat Plan Your Trip to Japan Air Travel / Train Travel Restaurants / Japanese Food Japanese Gift / Japan Books Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Japanese Gifts Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Japan for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Japan for Visitors Japan Travel and Japanese Culture Articles 2004/Recent Features 2003 Features 2002 Features 2001 Features 2000 Features 1999 Features 1998 Features Recent Discussions Japanese Cooking School in Tokyo Need help with gift new U.S. business Subscribe to the Newsletter Name Email Advertisement Most Popular New Year Cards Japanese Geisha Christmas in Japan Japanese Tattoos Free Japanese postcards - Japanese new year cards - japan fr... What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Related Topics Japanese Cuisine Japanese Language Asia for Visitors Anime PlayStation Games        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Japan Postcard - Japanese free email postcards - New Year's ... Japan Map - Nagano Prefecture Map - Map of Japan Universal Studios Japan Odaiba Photos Pictures of Japan - mount fuji picture - mt. fuji Photo Headlines Best Japan Photos in 2005 Which Japan photo gallery was viewed the most by visitors... Japanese New Year's Cards Sending New Year's cards to relatives, friends, teachers, classmates, and... Photo Gallery: Christmas Decorations in Japan Christmas in Tokyo Disneyland, Odaiba, Ebisu Garden Place, and more.... Christmas in Tokyo There are many fun events and beautiful Christmas illuminations to...

Taiwan travel links Direct

BBC NEWS | Business | 'Progress' on Taiwan travel links NEWS SPORT WEATHER WORLD SERVICE WHERE I LIVE -- A-Z INDEX SEARCH You are in: Business News Front Page Africa Americas Asia-Pacific Europe Middle East South Asia UK Business E-Commerce Economy Market Data Entertainment Science/Nature Technology Health ------------- Talking Point ------------- Country Profiles In Depth ------------- Programmes ------------- SERVICES Daily E-mail News Ticker Mobile/PDAs ------------- Text Only Feedback Help EDITIONS Change to UK Thursday, 17 October, 2002, 07:00 GMT 08:00 UK 'Progress' on Taiwan travel links Direct transport links could help ease economic woes Taiwanese officials have given a positive reception to a proposal from China to ease the way towards re-establishing direct transport links with the mainland. In an interview with a Taiwan newspaper, China's Vice Premier Qian Qichen suggested transport links could be described as "cross-strait" rather than "domestic". Verbal distinctions have played an important role in hostilities between Beijing and Taipei, whose leaders say they are heading a sovereign state, the Republic of China. Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian had rejected the use of the word "domestic", saying it would "belittle, provincialise and marginalise" Taiwan. 'Worth encouraging' Taiwan's Cabinet decided last year that it wanted to restore direct transport to the mainland for the first time in more than 50 years. Direct transport links were severed after the Communist victory in China's civil war in 1949. Two high-ranking Taiwanese officials have welcomed Mr Qian's proposal, though the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council has declined to comment. "The change is worth encouraging," said Chiou I-jen,secretary-general of the National Security Council. He told a parliamentary sub-committee that the shift was a goodwill gesture. "But details need to be discussed by both sides," he added. Taiwan's transport minister, Lin Lin-san, also welcomed the proposal: "I think labelling them as cross-strait routes is a positive concept. It is progress." New policy Taiwan's Cabinet is in the midst of an internal discussion on how to re-open direct transport, trade and postal services and is due to complete its review of the issue by November. Taiwan has already lifted a ceiling on mainland investment by Taiwanese firms and allowed them to invest directly in China rather than via a third country. It has also eased curbs on mainland investment by the sensitive semi-conductor industry, which forms the backbone of Taiwan's economy. In the interview with popular Taiwan paper United Daily News, Mr Qian maintained Beijing's insistence on the need for Taiwan to "recognise 'one China' before we can enter into political negotiations". "But the three links does not need political negotiations, it is an economic issue," he added. "Therefore talks can proceed." WTO membership deal Deal done in Doha China enters WTO fold Final accord at hand Insurance row settled WTO 'breakthrough' Deal's history EU resolves differences US clinches deal US Congress votes EU-China agree deal US signs historic deal Analysis Consumer revolution Migrants flood cities Entry to boost growth Extra gains for US, EU Price controls cut Boon for stock market China's US trade critics Case Studies Bamboo coffin exports Olympic tourism hopes Dog food brand plan See also: 07 Nov 01 | Business Taiwan eases China trade restrictions 19 Oct 01 | Business Asia braced for China's WTO entry 13 Aug 01 | Business Taiwan to free up China investment 12 Aug 01 | Asia-Pacific New party to reshape Taiwan politics 10 Aug 01 | Asia-Pacific Taiwan denies UN bid threatens China 06 Aug 01 | Country profiles Country profile: Taiwan Top Business stories now: Hacker breaches credit card security Job losses escalate at Reuters New SEC chief pledges tough line Oil prices push higher Rwanda denies DRC plundering Overseas sales drive Wal-Mart Congo's finance minister resigns Blair keeps euro options open Links to more Business stories are at the foot of the page. E-mail this story to a friend Links to more Business stories In This Section Hacker breaches credit card security Job losses escalate at Reuters New SEC chief pledges tough line Oil prices push higher Rwanda denies DRC plundering Overseas sales drive Wal-Mart Congo's finance minister resigns Blair keeps euro options open ^^ Back to top News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health | Talking Point | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To BBC Sport>> | To BBC Weather>> | To BBC World Service>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMIII | News Sources | Privacy