Taiwan has much to offer and will be increasing its drive to attract more visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong, according to the Taiwan Tourism Association.
Although business ex-changes between the mainland and Taiwan are more common in recent times, tourism is by far the most common reason for mainlanders to travel to Taiwan.
While speaking at the first Asia Pacific International Media Forum on Nov. 28, the Association’s Secretary General Roget Hsu also reaffirmed that more discounts will be promoted to travellers in Hong Kong.
The Forum, hosted by The Epoch Times, explored the attractiveness of Taiwan as a tourist destination.
The Government Information Office Vice Secretary Kuo-Tien Yang expressed that previously, the focus was to promote Taiwan’s economy and democracy, while aspects such as the island’s renowned music and film industry were not emphasized. In recent times the Information Office changed its strategy to focus on these neglected aspects, which has proven to be a very effective move.
He also explained that his department currently works with well-known international media such as National Geographic and the American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to promote Taiwan to the world. He hopes that The Epoch Times will also soon join other international media to do the same.
Tourism Bureau, Deputy Director of International Affairs Division, Cheng Ying-Huei introduced forum attendees to Taiwan’s special features, including the beauty and diversity of Taiwan’s natural environment, the friendliness of locals as well as Taiwan’s specialty food products. Taiwan is the best place to learn about China’s ancient heritage, many treasures of which have been preserved in Taipei’s National Palace Museum, she said.
Taiwan Epoch Times President Cao Huiling expressed that, as a tool for social development, media has a responsibility to promote mutual understanding among people, and the forum was certainly a step in this direction.
Hong Kong Epoch Times CEO Lu Jie said that Taiwan’s quality food products was a plus for Hong Kong residents. A constant stream of substandard or even poisonous products from China in recent times has caused many Hong Kong residents to lose faith in the quality of anything “made in China”, thus turning to Taiwan for quality products.
Guest speakers at the forum included Government Information Office Vice-Secretary, Kuo-tien Yang, Deputy Director of International Affairs Division,Tourism Bureau Cheng Ying-Huei and Director of Taiwan Venture Capital Association, Hsu Yingshu. Taiwanese President Ma Ying Jeou also sent a message wishing the meeting complete success.
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