TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Tourism Administration (觀光署), the island nation's official tourism promotion agency, made its debut in the Italian capital on Tuesday (May 13) with a dazzling cultural showcase featuring traditional diabolo performances and an eye-catching light display that illuminated Rome's evening skyline. The high-profile event drew approximately 40 key travel industry executives and media figures, with Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) and Y. C. Tsai (蔡允中), Taiwan's top diplomatic representative to Italy, presiding over the proceedings.
During his presentation, Chou emphasized Taiwan's growing reputation as a global culinary destination, showcasing the island's impressive collection of Michelin-recommended restaurants and signature cultural events including the immersive "Taiwan Hot Springs" experience and the spectacular "Taiwan Lantern Festival." He noted that Chiayi, a charming city in southwestern Taiwan, recently secured the 19th position in The New York Times prestigious "52 Places to Go" list for 2025. Chou also spotlighted Taiwan's breathtaking natural attractions, particularly Xiaoliuqiu in Pingtung County and the iconic Sanxiantai in Taitung.
In his remarks, Representative Tsai revealed that negotiations are underway to expand direct flight options between the two countries and emphasized how Taiwan's sophisticated "smart city" technological infrastructure has become seamlessly woven into residents' everyday experiences. Taiwan's two major international carriers, China Airlines and EVA Air, established prominent information booths at the venue, commemorating three decades of continuous service on the strategic Taipei-Rome route. Officials confirmed the promotional campaign will continue with additional presentations scheduled for Wednesday in Milan and Thursday in Amsterdam.
Looking ahead, Taiwan's tourism officials unveiled ambitious expansion plans that include establishing a permanent tourism service center in Rome to better assist Italian travelers. The administration also aims to dramatically increase air connectivity between the two countries, with a target of raising the number of weekly direct flights linking Taiwan and Italy from the current seven to 19, nearly tripling the available options for travelers in both directions. ★
