Taipei  - Taiwan and China are making final preparations for exchanging tourism representative offices before the end of the year, the Tourism Bureau said Wednesday.

The step is being regarded as an upgrade in ties between Taiwan and China, divided since at the end of the civil war in 1949.

China's Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association filed the application to open an office in Taipei on October 20, the tourism bureau said in a statement.

The Taiwan Cross-Strait Tourism Exchange Association also applied to open a representative office in Beijing on October 20.

"Through consultations, the two sides believe that time is ripe for launching tourism representative offices. The opening of the offices will be a great leap forward for cross-strait tourism exchanges," the statement said.

Taiwan opened its doors to Chinese tour groups in July 2008, in line with President Ma Ying-jeou's policy of seeking reconciliation with China while putting aside political disputes.

Since Ma took office on May 20, 2008, cross-strait ties have improved rapidly.

The two sides have held three dialogues and signed nine pacts on opening air, sea, tourism and postal links, and on judicial cooperation and food safety.

Taipei and Beijing are due to hold a fourth dialogue in Taiwan in December, and sign four pacts on expanding trade ties.(dpa)