HOW TO SELL TAIWAN
passes, shopping at markets or immersing themselves in the island’s colourful cultural mix. For those clients who already know the region well, there’s a very clear appeal.
What’s New Taipei’s excellent National Palace Museum is beginning a large-scale expansion plan in 2012 which will include a ‘Cultural Creative Park’ opposite the museum. At the same time, upgrading work continues on Terminal 1 at Taoyuan International Airport, and this year also sees the linking of thousands of kilometres of cycle paths around the islands. The tourism bureau has recently
released the Taiwan eBook, an English- language travel guide which can be downloaded for free from the website at
www.go2taiwan.net. Meanwhile, Lonely Planet has named Taiwan as one of its Top 10 Countries for 2012.
Tourism Talk JOHNSON WANG
Director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Europe “In 2011 Taiwan received 43,419 visitor arrivals from the UK. This represented a slight decrease of 2.28% on 2010. “The majority of British visitors to
Taiwan are couples, groups of friends and single travellers in the 40-plus age bracket. Generally they are well-travelled and looking for new places to explore and engage with local culture. Typically they will have been to Asia more than once before.We also have a number of special interest visitors, most notably birdwatching enthusiasts. “An important development for agents is the launch of our Taiwan Insider online training programme which we encourage agents to undertake (www.taiwaninsider.
co.uk). For agents, the key selling point for Taiwan is really that it offers the best of Chinese culture and spectacular landscapes in an easy, no-hassle way. British travellers don’t need a visa and the island is really quick to get around”
From The Front Line CHRIS MOORE
Taiwan Specialist, Audley Travel “Taiwan. has plenty to
offer – beautiful scenery, exciting cities and a fascinating history. In many ways, it offers an intriguing glimpse as to how China might have been had Mao not come to power. “What sets Taiwan apart from other Asian destinations is the lack of other
Western visitors – you’ll be discovering a destination that few others have. “Relations between Taiwan and the mainland have improved over the last few years, and there are now numerous direct flights between Taipei and many Chinese cities. This opens up the possibility of combining a trip to mainland China with a taste of Taiwan.”
YAOW BUTWISATE-LO Far East Product Manager, Cox & Kings “Taiwan is a clean and safe
country that’s easy to get around with fascinating arts and culture combined with nature and cycling and trekking opportunities. The energetic capital Taipei is home to possibly the best collection of Chinese art in the world, having escaped the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. It is also home to exotic aboriginal cultures, hospitable people and an amazing range of culinary delights, many of which can be found at the night markets around Taipei.”
Clockwise from left: Chinese lanterns; bridge over Lake Emei; women in traditional dress
TAIWAN Top Selling Tips...
• make friends... “Taiwanese people are some of the friendliest i’ve ever met. everyone wants to help you, even if they can’t speak english. One local wrote a whole city tour out for me, with place names in Chinese for the taxi driver”
STeven ThOmpSOn Associate publisher, Selling Long haul
• natural inspiration... “explore Taiwan’s fantastic variety of flora and fauna, and its breathtaking scenery ranging from deep gorges and snow-capped mountains to hot springs, tea plantations and the beautifully rugged pacific coastline.”
YAOw buTwiSATe-LO Far east product manager, Cox & Kings
Where to Book It REGENT HOLIDAYS
0117 921 1711
www.regent-holidays.co.uk The 11-day Highlights of Taiwan package combines a group tour that takes in the main highlights of Taiwan with an individual tour to the Kinmen Islands. The price starts from £1295pp, excluding international flights.
AUDLEY TRAVEL 01993 838 200
www.audleytravel.com The 14-day ‘Classic Route Through Taiwan’ trip with Audley Travel, including flights, accommodation, private transfers and excursions costs from £3,150pp.
COX & KINGS 01993 838 200
www.coxandkings.co.uk Taiwan: The Beautiful Island is a 15-day/ 13-night group tour which is currently from £2890pp for bookings made before February 21, a saving of up to £125. •
www.sellinglonghaul.com • February 2012 59
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