Tourism 結果共149筆

Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, urges China to show goodwill towards resuming tourism and travel between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned local travel agencies from arranging tours to China in early 2024, leading to backlash from the tourism sector. Wang emphasized the government’s commitment to healthy interactions with China and hopes for the return of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. The goal of attracting 12 million international tourists to Taiwan this year remains unchanged, with the potential for two million visits from China, depending on pandemic control. The MOTC will evaluate the impact of the ban on travel agencies and work on solutions. Discussions with airlines will ensure affected travel agencies can refund their clients for booking issues.

Strong winds in Kaohsiung cause a giant yellow rubber duck to deflate, sparking online discussions. Kaohsiung Department of Tourism works on repairs, clarifying that the collapse was due to mooring cable issues, not a puncture. Councilor Chiu Chun-hsien humorously comments on the incident.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen announced that travel to mainland China is possible for pre-arranged tour groups before May 31, pending China’s cooperation. The decision, made in response to a query from Kuomintang caucus whip Fu Kun-chi at the Legislative Yuan, was explained as a temporary measure due to China’s failure to reciprocate group tourism efforts. Chen highlighted that the possibility of lifting the ban hinges on China’s willingness, emphasizing that existing tour groups can still travel before the end of May.

Explore the economic ripple effects of TSMC’s new fab in Kumamoto, Japan, on local markets and Taiwan’s airline industry, with increased flights and market potential for business and tourism.

The story discusses the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s ban on travel agencies organizing group trips to China, citing national security concerns. Hsiao Po-jen, President of the Taiwan’s Travel Agent Association, seeks to address industry concerns with President-elect Lai Ching-te. The directive has sparked protests from the travel industry, with potential penalties for violators. The Tourism Administration cites the ＂Act for the Development of Tourism＂ to support the ban, threatening license termination for those jeopardizing national interests. Hsiao argues that organizing travel groups should not be deemed harmful to national interests, hinting at possible legal actions in response.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus convener Huang Kuo-chang questions the legal grounds of Taiwan’s ban on group tours to China, suspecting it was a hasty response to the pandemic. The government’s sudden change just before the Lunar New Year holiday raised doubts about the ban’s legal basis, with Huang accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of using vague legal concepts for punishment. Huang warns against resorting to lies and absurd methods, cautioning about the consequences of broken promises and half-truths.

Experience the enchanting 2024 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City! Join us on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 for two sessions filled with the mesmerizing sight of lanterns illuminating the night sky. The first event, held at Ping Xi Junior High School, features nine launches of 100 lanterns each, totaling 900 lanterns. The second event, taking place at Shihfen Square, showcases nine launches of 150 lanterns, totaling 1,350 lanterns. Lantern vouchers will be distributed from 10:30 a.m. until they run out, allowing two to four people to launch a lantern. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration, where artist Hu Min-shu’s stunning lantern designs, including a dragon and a tiger, will be on display.

Taipei-based WinnER International Travel Co. has ceased services for a Taiwanese tourist group visiting Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year. The company has retained the group’s deposit and continued to charge fees, citing a violation of contract rules by Mega International Travel Service, which had not made the agreed payment. WinnER International signed a contract with Mega International on September 12, 2023, and received a deposit of NT＄700,000 on January 18, 2024. The dispute arose when the two sides could not agree on the service price, leading to WinnER International sending a notice to stop providing service on January 31, which went unanswered. As a result, WinnER International asked each passenger to pay an additional US＄720 to continue the journey. The Kien Giang Provincial Tourism Administration has deemed WinnER International’s actions a violation of regulations and will penalize the company for not adhering to travel contract regulations.

Experience the charm of Taichung’s Yichung Shopping District as it hosts a vibrant 17-day New Year’s market from Feb. 2 to Feb. 18. Enjoy street fairs, delicious food, and creative vendors in this top Taichung attraction.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has abruptly halted the solicitation of tours to China, reversing its previous policy. Originally scheduled to open on March 1, tours from Taiwan to China were limited to a daily reference cap of 2,000 people, with the possibility of adjustments based on the travel industry’s ability to attract customers. The decision to halt the tours immediately was made in response to China’s failure to organize tours to Taiwan and its unilateral change of the M503 flight route without goodwill, which poses a threat to flight safety. The Tourism Administration, a part of the MOTC, believes that given the current circumstances, it is not in the best interest of Taiwanese nationals to travel to China. They continue to appeal to China to demonstrate goodwill and promote cross-strait tourism exchange. Tours that have already been solicited and are due to depart between March 1 and May 31, 2024, will proceed as planned to protect passenger rights, but tours after June 1 are not permitted to depart. Travel companies are urged to refrain from soliciting customers to avoid potential disputes.

印尼度假勝地峇里島（Bali）每年吸引百萬名遊客造訪，為解決嚴重交通與垃圾問題，當地政府將從2月14日（西洋情人節）起向旅客徵收「旅遊稅」（tourism tax），每人約15萬印尼盾（約300新台幣），大人小孩同價。根據規定，每次入境都須繳稅，因此若跳島旅遊完再返回峇里島，需「再次支付」費用。

Discover the diverse tourism potential of Taiwan at the Holiday World Show Dublin, where the Taiwan Pavilion showcased its cultural and natural landscapes. Engaging with notable visitors including Irish senators and the Lithuanian ambassador, Taiwan promoted its ＂Story Taiwan＂ and ＂Accelerate the Attraction of International Visitors＂ programs, as well as traditional Chinese characters and Taiwanese Chinese literature. Visitors enjoyed Taiwanese snacks, Kavalan whiskey, and even had the opportunity to make Lunar New Year lanterns. Don’t miss Cloud Gate Dance Theater’s upcoming performance in Ireland in May 2024, adding to the appreciation of Taiwanese culture. With approximately 30,000 visitors, the Dublin International Travel Show raised the visibility of Taiwanese tourism.

The beloved rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman has returned to Love River Bay in Kaohsiung after a decade, attracting over 600,000 attendees in the first two days of the exhibition. The event, named ＂2024 Kaohsiung Wonderland,＂ features more than just the two popular inflatable yellow ducks. It includes a bouncy castle, a yellow ball pit, a small train ride, street performances, and a food market. The event will run until Feb. 25. Free park tickets are distributed daily at 2 p.m. at Pier 16-18, with opening hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, and from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday to Sunday and during the first to fifth day of Chinese New Year. The exhibition has also led to almost record-high single-day light rail usage, with over 137,000 rides in the first two days. Additionally, a duck-themed light show has been created for night-time enjoyment along Love River Bay.

Discover Taitung’s strategic ＂Long Stay＂ campaign, aimed at boosting tourism from Singapore and Malaysia. Dive into a cultural extravaganza featuring traditional attire, red oolong tea, delectable foods, and exclusive Halal-certified venues. Join Taitung’s journey to become a top destination for international travelers.

The Third Wednesday Club Chairman Lin Por-fong expresses hope for improved cross-strait relations and economic cooperation under the ECFA with President-elect Lai Ching-te. Lin emphasizes the importance of handling international relations well, resolving cross-strait issues through communication and exchange, and establishing communication mechanisms with China. He believes that cross-strait relations impact economic development and calls for the loosening of restrictions on the economy, tourism, and culture. Lin advocates for the active maintenance of the ECFA, highlighting that international economic agreements like the CPTPP and RCEP require mainland China’s consent. Concerns are raised about the potential impacts on industries if China terminates the ECFA. Compal Electronics Chairman Hsu Sheng-hsiung warns of global unrest due to constant change and challenges across industries, technologies, economies, politics, and conflicts among nations. He also highlights the need for industries to monitor potential escalations of conflicts as nations vie for resources.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te visits Miaoli, expressing his plans to develop the region’s tourism and technology sectors. Lai campaigns with legislative candidate Tseng Wen-hsueh, emphasizing balanced construction plans for all of Taiwan. Lai praises Tseng’s dedication and support during the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement protest. Lai also visits Zhunan Township, supporting legislative candidate Kang Shih-ming for his work ethic and dedication as town chief.

Discover the captivating street in Keelung City’s Zhongzheng District, Taiwan, that has become a social media sensation. Reminiscent of a popular photography location in Yamanashi, Japan, this picturesque street with shop signs and the backdrop of Shiqiu Hill has caught the attention of photography enthusiasts. By using a telephoto lens and positioning the camera at the street’s center, the distant Shiqiu Hill seems to be brought closer, creating a visually stunning effect. While the Taiwanese location offers potential tourism and business opportunities, caution is advised for photographers aiming to capture the perfect shot, as safety concerns should not be overlooked.

T’way Air has resumed operations on its Incheon-to-Taichung route, with the maiden flight carrying 189 passengers. Taichung City’s Tourism and Travel Bureau held a welcoming event for the inaugural flight and believes that reopening the route will deepen tourism exchanges between Taichung and Korea. Director Chen Mei-hsiu cited Taichung’s mild climate, convenient location, rich tourist resources, and food culture as attractions for Korean visitors. The Incheon-Taichung route, operating a Boeing 737-800, will have seven weekly flights, with daily round-trip service in winter. T’way Air is the third Korean airline operating the route, following Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. In 2023, the number of tourists traveling from Korea to Taiwan reached 470,000, ranking third after Japan.

The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Tainan for the first time since 2008, taking place from Feb. 24 to March 10. The main lantern, ＂Dragon Comes to Taiwan,＂ was unveiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration. Inspired by the dragons on the stone columns at the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, the 18-meter-tall dragon lantern is accompanied by a 22-meter main lantern. This year’s lantern design transforms the dragon into a small round lantern with the same pronunciation as the Taiwanese snack ＂xiaolongbao,＂ adding a touch of tradition and children’s anticipation. The festival will illuminate the ＂High-Speed Rail Lantern Area＂ and ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in Tainan. In celebration of Tainan’s 400th anniversary, the city government will light up the ＂Anping Lantern Area＂ in advance on Feb. 3, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the spectacle during the Lunar New Year holiday. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed high hopes for the festival, praising the main lantern design for its unique representation of Tainan and Taiwan’s lantern festival through a blend of culture, nostalgia, and playful creativity.

The San Francisco overseas Chinese community hosted a New Year flag-raising ceremony, with Fremont Mayor Lily Mei encouraging the next generation to run for office and speak out for Asians. Mei also urged the community to vote robustly in the upcoming T U.S.-Taiwan relations and reminded them not to underestimate individual power. Director-General Scott Lai of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco reviewed Taiwan’s accomplishments last year, highlighting its rise in various indices, ranking second in freedom in Asia and sixth in global competitiveness. Lai also noted the meeting between Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and key U.S. officials at the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, praising it as a symbol of U.S. executive branch support for Taiwan. However, Lai acknowledged challenges lie ahead for Taiwan, particularly in its tourism, sightseeing, and restaurant industries’ recovery, as well as social issues such as declining birthrates and wealth disparity. Lai assured that the government would take a more proactive and responsible stance to make positive changes felt by the public.

Former President Chen Shui-bian expresses nostalgia and regret as the popular Eslite Xinyi Store in Taipei closes its doors on Christmas Eve 2023. Reflecting on the closure of the world’s first 24-hour bookstore, Eslite Dunnan branch, Chen emphasizes the significance of Eslite in Taipei. He recalls the store’s relocation in 1995, which sparked the concept of 24-hour service and became a landmark in Taipei tourism. Chen expresses gratitude to the Shin Kong Group for their 25-year commitment to the Eslite Dunnan store. The closure of the Eslite Xinyi Store, where Chen has many youthful memories, weighs heavily on him.

Taiwan has been identified as one of the key search terms by international travelers on Airbnb’s platform, according to the company’s 2024 tourism trends report. Taiwan’s search growth rate was second globally, just behind Japan. Airbnb expects 2024 to be the year when international travelers embark on world tours. From the first quarter to the third quarter of 2024, search volume on Airbnb increased significantly in 10 countries and regions, with Japan topping the list. Other than Taiwan and Japan, countries and regions such as Albania, Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Curaçao, Aruba, Thailand, and Guatemala also saw a rise in interest from Airbnb users.

Discover the ’Love the Philippines’ Christmas celebration in Taipei, hosted by the Philippines Department of Tourism-Taiwan. Enjoy traditional Filipino delicacies, music, and a chance to win prizes while exploring the cultural ties between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Presidential candidate, announced at a rally in Pingtung his plans to construct a Taiwan High-Speed Rail line and two expressways in the area. Lai aims to balance Taiwan’s national development projects and bring more support and assistance to Pingtung, transforming it into a ＂beautiful new homeland.＂ His promises include extending the high-speed rail to Chaozhou Township, reducing travel time from Taipei to less than two hours. Lai also intends to attract high-tech industries, introduce agricultural technology, and enhance the export competitiveness of local farm produce. Additionally, he plans to uplift tourism service quality in Pingtung, transforming Kenting into a destination similar to Bali and developing Dapeng Bay into a Hawaii-like getaway. Lai emphasized Pingtung’s importance in the implementation of the New Southbound Policy, highlighting its potential contribution to Taiwan’s development in collaboration with other southern counties and cities. He credited his past contributions to Pingtung’s development, such as the Pingtung Veterans General Hospital, to the efforts of former Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an, current commissioner Chou Chun-mi, and legislators. Lai seeks local residents’ support to make Pingtung glorious again.

Discover a unique tourist attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province - paddy field art featuring intricately cultivated cat figures made from different rice varieties. Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his team have creatively brought the Thai proverb ＂There is fish in the water and rice in the fields＂ to life through these artistic depictions. With GPS precision, the rice seedlings are strategically placed to form the charming feline poses. This innovative endeavor is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, inspiring the younger generation to explore the intersection of art, technology, and agriculture.