Visitors from abroad predicted to surpass 9 million, according to agency estimates

Visitors from abroad predicted to surpass 9 million, according to agency estimates

The tourism sector in Taiwan has shown signs of recovery, with a significant growth in domestic travel last year. According to the Tourism Administration, a total of 222 million trips were recorded in 2021, surpassing the figures from both 2023 (206 million) and 2019 (169 million). The increase in day trips contributed to this growth, with 77% of domestic travelers being day travelers in 2021, compared to 71% in 2023 and 66% in 2019.

However, the return of international visitors to Taiwan after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted has been relatively slow. As of last month, the nation welcomed 4.19 million international visitors, a 10 percent increase compared with the same period last year. This figure falls short of the pre-pandemic figures, with Taiwan recording 11.86 million international visitors in 2019. The numbers for 2023 and 2022 were 6.48 million and 7.85 million respectively.

In an effort to attract more international tourists, particularly from South Korea, the government and tourism authorities are considering various measures and strategies.

General Measures

Infrastructure Development

The need for resilient infrastructure in Taiwan has been highlighted by recent storms like Tropical Storm Danas. Enhancing transportation networks and amenities can make the country more attractive to tourists by ensuring safety and accessibility.

Tourism Recovery Efforts

The government's focus on rebuilding and reimagining tourism to withstand future shocks could include initiatives like sustainable tourism practices, enhancing cultural and natural attractions, and improving disaster preparedness.

Evolving Consumer Preferences

With the rise of wellness tourism and experiential travel, Taiwan could capitalize on these trends by developing more inclusive and health-focused offerings, as well as creating authentic, shareable travel experiences.

Specific Measures for South Korea

Promotional Campaigns

Targeted marketing campaigns could highlight Taiwan's unique cultural and natural attractions to South Korean tourists. This could include social media promotions and partnerships with travel influencers.

Travel Facilitation

Simplifying travel requirements and offering visa incentives could make Taiwan a more attractive destination for South Korean travelers.

Cultural Exchange Programs

Collaborative cultural and educational programs could foster closer ties between Taiwan and South Korea, encouraging more South Korean tourists to visit.

These strategies would align with broader trends in the Asia-Pacific region, where countries are diversifying their source markets and focusing on experiential travel experiences.

In other news, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has clarified that it does not allocate budget for airlines to upgrade military personnel to business class. Any benefits offered to military personnel during Armed Forces Day are voluntary and given out of respect and appreciation for their sacrifices. The ministry stated that seats in the business class should first be available to passengers who purchase them or those in airlines' mileage programs, and airlines could consider inviting service members to sit in business class if there are unoccupied seats remaining.

References: 1. Taiwan News 2. World Tourism Organization 3. Asia-Pacific Tourism Association

The government and tourism authorities are considering various measures to attract more international tourists, particularly from South Korea, such as promotional campaigns showcasing Taiwan's unique cultural and natural attractions, simplifying travel requirements, offering visa incentives, and fostering closer ties through cultural exchange programs. Recognizing the rise of wellness tourism and experiential travel, Taiwan could capitalize on these trends by developing more inclusive and health-focused offerings and creating authentic, shareable travel experiences.

With the increase in day trips contributing to domestic travel growth, there's a strong possibility that travelers in Taiwan might be interested in exploring lifestyle and cultural experiences within the country, making it essential for the tourism sector to cater to such preferences in their recovery and reimagining efforts.

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