Travel 結果共232筆

Taiwan has soared in popularity as a global travel destination, with Taipei experiencing unprecedented growth in tourist interest. This surge is attributed to the city’s affordability and unique attractions, making it a favorite among international travelers, especially from Asia.

This article explores the surge in air travel demand leading to a record number of aircraft orders for Airbus, EVA Air’s major purchase of Airbus aircraft, the challenges in pilot training, and innovative solutions from a Taiwanese university.

The spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), Chen Binhua, denied allegations of Beijing interfering in Taiwan’s elections during a press conference. Chen dismissed the claims made by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as baseless rumors and accused the ruling party in Taiwan of misleading the electorate. Taiwan’s national security agencies have repeatedly warned about interference from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as the country prepares for the 2024 presidential election. In recent investigations, members of the ＂Union of Chinese Nationalists＂ in Kaohsiung were accused of accepting funds from the TAO for political activities in mainland China. The association is suspected of promoting specific political views and pan-blue support during their travels. The Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office has summoned 22 members for investigation, including individuals named Cheng and Ye, who are accused of violating Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and Public Officials Election and Recall Act. They have been released on bail with travel restrictions pending further investigation.

桃園首次由副市長率領在地觀光產業團隊赴泰國舉辦推廣活動，此行有別於以往的推廣模式，除了安排拜會泰國出境旅遊協會(TTAA)及泰國三大旅行業者外，也由品蘇俊賓副市長及張俊福代表見證下，由桃園市政府觀光旅遊局周柏吟局長與泰國最大出境協會TTAA李朝文資深顧問及泰國最具代表性的Quality Express、 Miramar Travel及Supertrips三家旅行社於曼谷共同簽屬觀光合作備忘錄MOU，備忘錄重點為雙方將展開觀光活動、旅遊景點、運動與文化等不同領域與主題之觀光交流活動，促進兩市觀光之互惠及發展，展現多樣又豐富的魅力與文化，進而達成實質送客到桃園的效益，並於曼谷辦理B2B觀光推介會與交流晚宴，在市政交流與觀光業者推廣互動下，獲得滿滿的收穫及熱烈的迴響與評價。

Taiwan’s CDC warns that respiratory illness cases in China may peak around Lunar New Year due to multiple pathogens affecting the northern regions. The CDC emphasizes that the surge is not caused by a single agent and poses challenges across different age groups. In addition to mycoplasma, other infectious threats like influenza and COVID-19 should not be ignored. To prepare for increased cross-strait travel, the CDC urges vaccination against flu and COVID-19, especially for the elderly and young children with weaker immune systems. Non-essential trips to China are recommended to be postponed as a precautionary health measure.

Cathay Pacific plans to hire 5,000 additional employees in 2024 to address a staff shortage caused by a rapid rebound in travel demand. The airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Rebecca Sharpe, announced the plan during an analyst meeting, stating that the strong performance in the first half of the year is expected to continue. This comes after Cathay Pacific already expanded its workforce by 4,000 this year. The positions to be filled range from ground staff and cabin crew to pilots. The airline had to enact major staff reductions in 2019, cutting around 11,000 employees due to the impact of the pandemic. However, the resurgence of travel demand in 2023 led to severe staffing shortages. Despite this, Cathay Pacific achieved a net profit of HK$ 4.27 billion in the first half of 2023, a significant turnaround from a loss of HK$ 5 billion in the same period last year. Passenger numbers also soared to 14.57 million in the first 10 months of 2022, nearly ten times higher than the same period in 2021. This expansion reflects the recovery of the travel industry from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tourism Administration plans to launch a new travel program called ＂Golden Years＂ (凰金遊程Golden Years) next year, targeting senior travelers in response to Taiwan’s aging population. With an estimated senior travel demographic of 4 million individuals, Taiwan sees a potential tourist value of up to NT＄120 billion. Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-Jen expects a 10% to 20% growth in output value, reaching NT＄120 billion, with domestic tours for the elderly market accounting for approximately NT＄40 billion and international travelers adding NT＄60 billion. Travel agencies and hotels are now focusing on marketing efforts and introducing 11 Golden Years itineraries to cater to this demographic’s preferences. Discounts and leisurely itineraries are being offered to accommodate the spending power of senior travelers.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, has called on the people of Taiwan and China to support the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwanese independence in order to restore peaceful development in cross-Strait relations. This statement was made during a regular press conference on Wednesday morning. Zhu also mentioned the potential Blue-White Coalition in the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election, emphasizing that peace, development, and cooperation represent the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. Zhu further stated that mainland residents will only be able to travel to Taiwan when cross-Strait relations are on the correct track of peaceful development. This communication reflects China’s consistent stance on Taiwan, reaffirming its commitment to the 1992 Consensus and strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence. It is evident that China is closely monitoring Taiwan’s political dynamics in light of the upcoming election.

Explore the latest developments in Taiwan’s travel industry as the government implements a cap on group travel to China, sparking concerns among agencies and travelers. Learn how the Mainland Affairs Council is responding to the backlash and the potential impact on cross-strait relations.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is set to announce its electoral team pairing Lai Ching-te and Representative to the United States Hsiao Bi-khim for the 2024 election. Hsiao, who has a strong connection with Hualien due to her previous work and local election runs, will travel to Hualien for a campaign rally and the establishment of the campaign headquarters. Hsiao’s office is undergoing urgent renovations, indicating a flurry of activity. Many legislative candidates have expressed interest in having Hsiao endorse their campaigns, leading to numerous inquiries to the DPP’s Central Executive Committee and campaign headquarters.

Taiwan experiences a surge in travel as global restrictions ease, leading to a phenomenon known as ＂vacation vengeance.＂ The Ministry of Finance reports that approximately 8.42 million passengers traveled in the first nine months of 2023. However, strict tax exemption regulations have caused public frustration as returning residents face customs inspections for exceeding the purchase limit. The current tax exemption limit is NTD$20,000, but citizens argue it is insufficient. The Ministry of Finance is considering raising the limit to NTD$30,000 to NTD$40,000. The regulations governing duty-free privileges for inbound personal luggage have remained unchanged for over three decades. The Ministry of Finance is discussing potential changes to address the rising cost of overseas goods and the country’s gross national income compared to Japan and South Korea.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) minister has stated that multiple channels have been used to raise awareness of the ＂Online Registration System for Taiwanese Citizens Visiting Mainland China.＂ The system was implemented in January 2023 to improve emergency assistance services for travelers. However, out of over one million Taiwanese nationals who visited China from January to September, only around 2,000 registered with the system, resulting in a usage rate of just 0.19%. MAC Minister Chiu Tai-san acknowledged the low uptake and stated that efforts have been made to promote the system, including engaging travel agencies. Legislator Chuang Jui-hsiung highlighted that in August alone, over 200,000 people traveled from Taiwan to China, but only 554 registrations were made. Minister Chiu explained that registration is voluntary, and if citizens do not anticipate encountering problems in mainland China, it is challenging for the ministry to enforce it. In response to calls for increased promotion, Chiu promised that MAC colleagues would intensify efforts to raise awareness about the registration system.

Taiwanese airlines, including China Airlines, EVA Air, Tigerair Taiwan, and Starlux Airlines, have reported record revenues in October and for the first ten months of the year. Starlux Airlines achieved a monthly operating income of NT＄2.087 billion in October, the third highest in its history. China Airlines saw a 7.85% monthly increase and a 28.56% annual increase in October, with total revenue reaching NT＄16.076 billion. EVA Air’s October revenue increased by 6.8% monthly and 46.57% annually to NT$17.525 billion. Tigerair Taiwan experienced the most significant growth, with October revenue increasing by 13.7% from September and skyrocketing 1040% from last year to NT＄1.22 billion. The industry expects this revenue trend to continue as flight operations resume, driven by the northeast Asia leaf-viewing and skiing season, as well as peak travel periods such as Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve in Europe, America, New Zealand, and Australia.

The Thai government has launched a 30-day visa-free policy for Taiwanese tourists, aiming to increase the number of visitors by 20%. Around 600,000 Taiwanese tourists visited Thailand this year, and Thai officials hope to raise this number to at least 725,000 by the end of 2023. Since the announcement of the new policy, queries about Thailand on travel websites have increased by 30%. Travelers are also pleased with the elimination of visa costs, which can range from NT $1,200 to over $10,000. To further attract tourists, travel agencies and airlines are offering discounted round-trip tickets to Bangkok from Taipei, with prices as low as NT $5,000. Thailand is already among the top overseas travel destinations for Taiwanese, along with Japan, mainland China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) will add an additional northbound train on Sunday night (Nov. 12) to accommodate Coldplay fans attending the band’s performances at Kaohsiung National Stadium on Nov. 11 and 12. The train will depart from Zuoying Station at 10:30 p.m. and arrive at Taipei Station at 12:30 a.m., making stops at Tainan, Chiayi, Taichung, Hsinchu, Taoyuan, and Banqiao stations. Tickets will be sold at 00:00 am on Nov. 11, and THSR advises travelers to plan their onward travel accordingly. Tickets can be booked through the T-EX mobile ticketing app, THSR’s online booking system, convenience stores, or train stations. Non-reserved seat tickets can also be purchased on the day of travel.

The commencement of visa-free travel for Taiwanese tourists to Thailand marks a significant boost in tourism relations between the two countries. This policy, effective until May 10, 2024, promises increased travel ease and a surge in tourism activities, especially during Thailand’s peak season from November to February. The Thai government is evaluating the impact of this initiative and its potential for permanent implementation.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is considering a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping after the U.S.-China talks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Kishida plans to meet with Xi the day after U.S. President Joe Biden’s meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss unresolved issues between Japan and China, including Japan’s request for China to remove import restrictions on Japanese seafood products. Additionally, the dialogue aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote regional stability. Japan’s National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo will travel to China for coordination efforts. The APEC summit, which includes leaders from 21 member countries, will take place in San Francisco from November 15 to 17.

Taiwanese billionaire and independent presidential candidate Terry Gou addressed the talent drain in Taiwan and its impact on the tourism industry. He highlighted how the lack of qualified personnel has affected the competitiveness of the industry, leading to a decline in domestic travel. Gou also linked this talent drain to the fertility crisis in Taiwan and the issue of female employment. He suggested that remote working could help parents balance work and family life, and called on the government to invest in software and hardware developments to support remote job positions. Gou criticized the ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party, for its failure to propose effective strategies for economic growth and emphasized the need for industrial upgrades to sustain Taiwan’s competitiveness in export-driven industries.

The 2023 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair concluded with a total of 344,475 visits, representing a 76.3% growth from the previous year. The event, organized by the Taiwan Visitors Association, recorded a single-day attendance of 75,917 visitors on its final day. Numerous hotel groups and travel agencies reported strong sales performances, with some generating daily revenues in the millions and cumulative four-day returns exceeding a billion dollars. Exhibited travel products showcased Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia as preferred destinations, while long-haul trips to the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand also garnered significant interest. The 2024 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair is set to begin exhibitor registration on March 1, 2024, and will take place from November 1 to 4, 2024, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

The Taipei International Travel Fair concluded with attendees taking advantage of travel deals. Industry experts believe that high travel costs are inevitable due to factors such as flight recovery, labor shortage, and inflation. Japan, a popular destination for Taiwanese tourists, also faces similar challenges. The weakening Japanese Yen has led to more domestic travel, increasing competition for hotel rooms. The imbalance between supply and demand has contributed to rising travel costs. To alleviate financial pressures, experts suggest taking advantage of fair benefits and choosing low-cost airlines. For those interested in traveling to Western countries, transferring through Chinese airports may offer relatively lower ticket prices.

EVA Airways’ President anticipates a strong 2024 passenger market as the 2023 ITF Taipei Travel Fair delights visitors with a Boeing 787 engine model. Offering 28% discounts, EVA invites travelers to ’Fly to Heart’s Content’ with all-you-can-fly passes up for grabs in a November lottery.

Tigerair Taiwan reported impressive third-quarter results, with revenues of nearly NT＄3,600,000,000, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 2,378% and a 23.87% increase from the previous quarter. The airline attributed its Q3 performance to the summer vacation peak and a steady recovery in passenger movement following the Covid pandemic.

The Travel Agents Association Chairman, Hsiao Po-jen, has announced that the Taiwanese government may lift travel group bans to China before Chinese New Year in 2024. Minister Wang Kwo-tsai of Transportation and Communications and Mainland Affairs Council revealed that the MOTC Tourist Administration Director General, Chou Yung-Hui, confirmed plans to lift restrictions on Taiwanese travel groups just before the holiday next year. The ban on private arrangement of group tours to China has been in place since the Covid-19 pandemic, making this decision a significant move to enhance diplomatic relations between the two states. The MAC has also announced plans to restore cross-strait group tours, initially allowing 2,000 visitors per day from China. The lift on travel restrictions may come earlier than expected if China expresses goodwill to welcome tourists from across the Strait.

Taipei Metro celebrates a major milestone as it records its 13 billionth passenger. The lucky rider embarked from Zhongxiao Fuxing station on the Bannan Line and alighted at Xindian station on the Songshan-Xindian Line. In recognition of this achievement, Taipei Metro gifted annual metro passes to the lucky recipient, as well as the five commuters preceding and following them. Additionally, the 13 billionth passenger received a voucher for a presidential suite at a vacation resort worth NT$88,000 and free metro travel for one year. The metro authority tracks ridership by counting entrance times of ticket cards and selects the winner from registered metro card members’ data. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated by following the official Taipei Metro fan page, ＂Fun with the Metro.＂ Fans can participate in predictive activities on Facebook for a chance to win a voucher for a presidential suite at the Crystal Resort in Sun Moon Lake or a metro card. Taipei Metro is committed to promoting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts, aiming to convey the ideals of sustainable development and zero emissions to its riders as part of the city’s green transformation.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications plans to open up tour groups to China and allow Chinese tour groups to Taiwan by March 1, 2024. However, some travel agencies find the pace of this ＂un-banning＂ too slow and have admitted to organizing tour groups to China under the guise of ＂visiting groups.＂ This ban, which has lasted for over three years, has severely impacted over 90% of Taiwan’s 4,000 plus travel agencies operating in the Chinese market.