Taiwan welcomed the first Chinese visitors arriving on direct flights three months ago as a boon for tourism, but global financial troubles and local political uncertainty might deflate such hopes. Currently, Beijing only allows people from 13 provinces and cities to apply for permits to visit the island, while 33 mainland agencies are authorised to manage Taiwan tours. Politics aside, the tourism industry is bracing for the global financial storm which is likely to force many people to scrap or alter holiday plans.