TAITUNG (TVBS News) — The 2024 Taiwan International Balloon Festival (2024台灣國際熱氣球嘉年華) ended on Aug. 19 with a grand light sculpture music show.
The 45-day festival, which began on July 6, welcomed more than 660,000 visitors, despite facing challenges from earthquakes and typhoons.
Festival planners aimed to bring novelty by inviting 20 international hot air balloons and hosting "Night Glow" music shows across various towns in Taitung.
Taitung County Magistrate April Yao (饒慶鈴) expressed her gratitude, thanking all participants. "We heard that most of those with us today are from out of town and have joined us to celebrate Taiwan’s International Balloon Festival."
However, this year's festival saw a significant drop in attendance compared to previous years. As of Aug. 18, the festival had only attracted around 600,000 visitors, a sharp decline from last year's 1.16 million.
The combination of the April Hualien earthquake and Typhoon Gaemi disrupted travel routes, particularly the Suhua Highway, contributing to the reduced turnout.
Local vendors noted the sparse crowds, with one remarking that "there were more hot air balloons than people," and estimating a 70% decrease in visitors.
On Aug. 18, just two days before the festival's end, Luye Highland (鹿野高台) experienced notably fewer visitors, even from other counties.
Despite this, the festival, now in its 14th year, continues to be a beacon of light for Taitung's night skies. Organizers have already set their sights on 2025, promising another spectacular event.
