Hundreds of Taiwan workers in tourism-related businesses rallied in Taipei on Monday to draw attention to a sharp decline in visitors from the Chinese mainland that is putting their industry under heavy strain.

Workers marched down a central street in Taipei before gathering at a square in front of the Taiwan leader's office building. They called for the preservation of jobs and assistance to the industry, including allowing the owners of tour buses to delay their loan payments.

"We only want the right to work. If (mainland tourists) do not come, we cannot work. This is just our need," said tour guide Debby Huang, 41.