Taiwan introduces new incentive programs, including a lucky draw and free half-day tours for transit passengers, as part of its comprehensive £9.7 billion post-pandemic recovery package.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA), responsible for promoting tourism to the cosmopolitan island destination across global markets, introduced two new incentive programs in an effort to attract more overseas visitors. These include a lucky draw competition on arrival, where foreign travelers can enter to win cash prizes, and the launch of free half-day tours for transit and transfer travelers. The initiatives are part of the government’s wider £ 9.7 billion (NT$380 billion) post-pandemic economic recovery package and seek to strengthen Taiwan’s position as a premier global travel destination while shining a spotlight on its range of tourism offerings.
Lucky Draw Competition – ‘Taiwan the Lucky Land’
To attract more overseas visitors, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, officially launched a new lucky draw competition called “Taiwan the Lucky Land.” As part of the campaign, foreign independent travelers planning to visit Taiwan for between three to ninety days can enter online for a chance to win £127 (NT$5000) to supplement their spending in-country.
To enter, eligible international travelers must register online at least 24 hours before arrival and within seven days before their scheduled arrival. Upon arrival, visitors can proceed to dedicated areas in airport terminals where they can scan their unique QR code to see whether they are a winner. As the campaign is designed to reward travelers who opt to visit the destination independently, visitors traveling in tour groups are not eligible.
The innovative initiative marks a significant step in Taiwan’s plan to welcome 6 million foreign tourists by the end of this year and an ambitious goal of 12 million visitors in 2024. The program will remain open for participation until June 30, 2025.
Free Half-Day Tour
To further support the government’s ambitious goals to promote inbound travel, the Taiwan Tourism Authority has additionally introduced free half-day tours for transit and transfer passengers. Tours are available to transiting passengers at Taoyuan International Airport whose connecting flights leave between 7 and 24 hours after arriving in Taiwan and who hold valid Republic of China visas or come from countries eligible for visa-exempt entry. Visitors can register for tours on the official site.
The four-hour tour, inclusive of airport pickups and local transportation, will see travelers visit key national landmarks and cultural sites whilst accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide, allowing visitors to take advantage of this unique opportunity to experience first-hand Taiwan’s rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and varied attractions.
Speaking about the new initiative, the Taiwan Tourism Administration said it hopes the tours will encourage repeat visitors by leaving foreign travelers with a good impression of Taiwan so they will consider making the country a future travel destination.
Taiwan’s Green Triumphs and Natural Wonders
In an exciting development for the destination, earlier this month, six national scenic areas in Taiwan received international awards at the Global Green Destinations Day Conference in Estonia, marking its most outstanding performance in eight years. The recipients of the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories were recognized at a ceremony on 9 October in Tallinn. Winning stories from Taiwan focused on the stone weirs of Penghu County, indigenous culture at Sun Moon Lake, a music performance on the coast of Taitung County, recycling on Taiwan’s northeast coast, the emergence of wetlands in the southwest after typhoons, and sustainable paths to Alabao Bay in Keelung City.
This recent achievement complements the two pivotal incentive programs and underscores Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.
In addition to these achievements, Taiwan has reached two significant milestones in 2023. Firstly, the magnificent and endangered, black-faced spoonbills have achieved a record population, bringing hope to conservationists and nature enthusiasts. Secondly, a growing trend of slow travel, sparked by the pandemic, has travelers worldwide seeking leisurely and scenic experiences.
For those in search of breathtaking landscapes, Taiwan’s Alishan Forest Railway offers the perfect escape. This historic railway, marking its 111th year, features cherry blossoms, majestic mountains, misty forests, and unparalleled natural beauty. Originally constructed during the Japanese Occupation of Taiwan for the transport of endangered Taiwan cypress trees, it is now a cherished destination for tourists. In 2024, the addition of modern Formosensis carriages promises enhanced comfort, with features like air conditioning, plush seats, and larger windows.
Whether you’re captivated by the black-faced spoonbills or the enchanting vistas of the Alishan Forest Railway, Taiwan provides solace and inspiration for both nature and slow travel enthusiasts.
Dive into Taiwanese Culture at the World Travel Market
To introduce UK travelers to the destination, and promote the newly launched incentive programs, the Taiwan Tourism Administration invites World Travel Market attendees to experience Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage at its Pavilion.
Visitors to the Pavilion will see themselves immersed in interactive cultural experiences where the Taiwanese Specialty Tea Society in Europe will introduce visitors to the rich tapestry of Taiwanese tea culture in a one-of-a-kind tea-tasting experience. WTM attendees can also expect to partake in cultural activities such as DIY Silk Screen Printing, Paper Lantern Painting, and Oil-Paper Umbrella Painting.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration will also host a Happy Hour event for key trade and media stakeholders at the Taiwan Pavilion on Monday 6 November. The event will see key members of the Taiwan delegation share the latest news and updates from the destination while serving as a platform to amplify Taiwan’s visibility across global markets.
Speaking on Taiwan’s exhibition at WTM, Arthur Hsieh, Director at Taiwan Tourism Administration London Office says, “We are thrilled to introduce our new tourism incentive programs to wider audiences at the World Travel Market. We look forward to this wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on Taiwan’s extraordinary tourism offerings and the depth of our rich cultural heritage. Our goal is to bring a piece of Taiwan’s enchantment to the world stage, and we invite you to join us at our Pavilion.”
The Taiwan Tourism Administration looks forward to debuting these exciting initiatives and updates to UK travellers at the World Travel Market to inspire travel to the wonderful island of Taiwan.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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