What is the main idea of the news item? [originaltext] Regular direct charter

Regular direct charter flights between mainland China and Taiwan are starting today, the first of such service in more than 50 years. The flights will connect Beijing and four other major Chinese cities with Taiwan which has been preparing for a major influx of tourists that could stimulate its economy. Caroline Gluck reports from Taiwan. The nonstop direct flights have been seen as another historic step in the relations between the two sides. A total of 36 flights will be launched this weekend, connecting five major cities in China to six airports in Taiwan. More than 600 Chinese tourists will be traveling to Taiwan on weeklong package trips. Now be given the red carpet treatment, their numbers are expected to rapidly increase since Beijing has said it will allow up to 3,000 tourists a day to visit Taiwan from July 18th.