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Josephine Huang Marketing and PR Manager, Taipei Tourism Office
2014 was a good year for Taiwan, with
a 63% increase in UK visitors from January to October showing confi dence from its biggest European source market.
What is Taiwan looking to achieve this year? We want to attract 10 million visitors for 2015 and our main target is the baby boomers. We have 11 new tour operators on board this year, including Wendy Wu, Explore!, Transindus, Cox & Kings, Intrepid and Regent Holidays (the only operator to feature the Kinmen Islands).
Why should travellers choose Taiwan over other Asian destinations? Taiwan is still an emerging destination – mysterious and undiscovered to the West. Despite this, English is widely spoken, hospitality and customer service is renowned and no visa is required. Taiwan has won many accolades for its street food recently and has offi cially taken the ‘street food crown’ from Singapore. We’re now rated as one of the top ten foodie destinations in the world and it's cheap and vegetarian friendly! We also have a rich cultural heritage. We've preserved many ancient traditions, customs and festivals that China wiped out during the Cultural Revolution.
Who should agents sell Taiwan to? Taiwan appeals to Asia repeaters more than to fi rst-timers. But it’s also a perfect proposition for clients who want to see the best of the Far East in a limited amount of time – and a great alternative to China. The same size as Scotland, Taiwan is compact and perfect for touring. The highlights can be covered on the effi cient and cheap high-speed rail network (similar to bullet trains in Japan only much cheaper) or via the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, which takes tourists to hot-spots in 12 counties on 20 different routes using the island’s public transportation. Each county includes various stops at scenic spots and different package options. Despite its size, Taiwan is hugely diverse – with mountains, forests, tropical beaches, tea plantations and hot springs.
What is a classic Taiwan itinerary? The ‘triangle’, covering Taipei, Sun Moon Lake and Taroko National Park. Extensions typically include Tainan and Lukang, Foguang Shan Monastery and Kenting National Park.
Any creative ways to sell Taiwan? Look at niche markets through activities like hiking, climbing, birdwatching, experiential tourism (through our homestay programme) and religious programmes. There are also great opportunities for twin-centre holidays with Thailand (Eva Air), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacifi c), Dubai (Emirates), and Beijing (frequent and cheap fl ight connectivity from Taiwan). Far East cruises are a great way to introduce Taiwan. Also, passengers in transit through Taiwan qualify for free half-day city tours of Taipei – just tell your client to go to the information desk in arrivals.
Tell us a few things that may surprise people about Taiwan? We have a large aboriginal heritage that is very much alive today. Up to 12 different tribes live along Taiwan’s dramatic east coast. Visitors will be stunned by Taiwan’s topography. The island has the largest number and highest density of mountains in the world, with 286 mountain summits over 3,000 metres making it a hiker’s paradise. But wherever
sellingtravel.co.uk
you are in Taiwan, you’ll always be connected, because Taiwan wifi hotspots cover the country.
What is new for 2015? Cyclists will love Taiwan for its world-class cycling network and this year a complete Bike Path Network is being developed, allowing bikers to complete a round- island trip conveniently and safely. All hotels do free cycle hire and there are bike pit stops all over the island in the form of police stations, Seven Elevens etc., offering free water, tools and a helping hand to change a tyre. China Airlines and Eva Air both offer 15kg additional baggage allowance free to visitors who buy a bicycle in Taiwan and want to transport it home!
What does the Tourism Bureau do to assist the travel trade? We offer marketing support for tour operators through co-operative campaigns with 49% investment by the TTB and 51% investment made by the tourism partner. This can include product sponsoring, co-branded advertising, digital promotion and customer events. We also deliver destination knowledge to the trade through training and attend industry events through bodies such as PATA.
Pictured: Tourists walk the famed steps of Jiufen, Taipei. The gold mining town was developed under Japanese rule but now attracts visitors for its nostalgic scenery
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