Taipei- Taiwan on Saturday relaxed restrictions on visits by Chinese tour groups as part of its effort to boost its slow- growing tourism industry.

Starting Sunday, Chinese citizens will only need to show a permit from their working units - instead of proof of bank savings as is currently required - when they apply to visit Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau said in a statement.

And, whereas a Chinese tour group previously needed a minimum of 10 members and could only stay a maximum of 10 days, Chinese groups will be able to consist of as few as five people and remain in Taiwan for up to 15 days under the new guidelines.

The bureau also lowered the required deposit from Taiwan travel agencies that handle Chinese tour groups. It also lessened the penalty if a Chinese tour member stays in Taiwan.

The goal of the revisions is to lure more Chinese tourists and add variety to tours, the statement said.

After six decades of hostility, Taiwan and China agreed last year to launch weekend charter flights and allow Chinese tour groups to visit Taiwan.

Last month, Taiwan and China added daily charter flights. An agreement to allow regular flights is expected by July. (dpa)