‘Cuisine, culture and our cities are big drawcards but the real change from this market is that people are realising how much we have to offer in terms of surfing, trekking, cycling and diving,’ says Paul Shih, Taiwan Tourism Administration’s (TTA’s) Singapore-based director.
The destination has seen a 6.97% growth in visitation overall (10.4% in leisure travel) reaching a total of 18,242 from this market year on year and Shih says the length of stay is also impressive at about 10 days on average. He says that is another indication that people want to explore beyond Taipei, discover some of the country’s 258 mountains, or cycle around the island and its 2500 kilometres of bike paths.
New Zealand has now rebounded to be just over pre-pandemic levels of arrivals into Taiwan.
Po-Ju (Michael) Chen, of Taiwan Outdoors was among the suppliers at the event, highlighting multi-day cycling tours, mountain treks amnd short stays as well as itineraries which combined a number of activities.
One highlight is the Round Island Ride – Taiwan on 2-wheels, a 12-day journey that circumnavigates the whole country. For hardy clients wanting to explore Taiwan’s peaks one option is a three day guided hike that summits Jade Mountain (the country’s highest) and includes a night in a high mountain lodge and another at an indigenous homestay.
Another specialist operator at the roadshow, Nobita Jong of Lion Travel was focusing on rail excursions that range from half day trips to multi-day experiences such as the eight-day railway Taiwan that combines two train trips with a Sun Moon Lake cruise, local tribe visit and the sights of the east coast.
Claire Jones, House of Travel Devonport; Anakarina Heyes, Kerrie Hudson, both YOU Travel Warkworth
Christine Wicks, Orbit World Travel; Rahul Sharma, Exotic Holidays; Jessica Oswald, House of Travel
Po-Ju (Michael) Chen, Taiwan Outdoors
