Published on : Tuesday, December 31, 2013
In the progressing competitive global tourism industry, the most successful participants are those using value-added products to target niche markets. This means for the ROC government, promoting Taiwan’s array of unique cultural assets in such a way that the island is viewed as an experience, not just a destination. As Taiwan continues to appear as a top-flight travel experience, ongoing government efforts aimed at promoting the nation’s diverse range of attractions are guaranteeing it a place at the head table in global tourism stakes.
This approach, which shapes the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications policy for promoting Taiwan overseas, delivered handsome dividends this year. The country gathered swag of mentions in leading overseas travel publications, starred in several respected getaway TV programs and welcomed more than 7.21 million tourists for the first 11 months of 2013, up 9.13 percent year on year.
A number of plans launched as part of the campaign have successfully promoted Taiwan abroad. One example is the Taste Taiwan culinary tour. Involving three high-profile chefs, Michael Ferraro from New York, Thomas Heinrich from Vancouver and Bryant Wigger from Los Angeles, the eight-day trip this month saw these maestros of the kitchen visit a top-notch assortment of local cooking institutes, fresh produce markets, night markets and restaurants. The chefs’ experiences will be captured on film and packaged together in a travel-cooking show broadcast across North America in January 2014.
Rising interest in Taiwan abroad is also demonstrated by the country’s rising popularity with international cruise lines. 363 foreign-flagged cruise ships carrying 536,000 passengers docked on the island in the first 11 months of 2013, up 11.34 percent and 64.26 percent year on year, respectively. Keelung Port was the favorite destination with close to 400,000 passenger influx, followed by Taichung Port at 54,000. Additionally, a total of 286,000 visitors, or 52.83 percent, were from nonscheduled cruises.
There is no doubt that the future looks bright for this land of many wonders that is finally punching above its weight in the fight to entice international travelers.
Tags: Destination News
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