Supporting Tourism in Taiwan with Concrete Actions! President Tsai Invites Taiwanese to Visit ITF


President Tsai Ing-wen participated in the opening ceremony for the 2023 Taipei International Tourism Fair (ITF) today (November 3) alongside Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) Minister Yiong Con-ziin, Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-Tsai, and others at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1.

President Tsai declared her joy to witness the constant progress in Taiwan’s tourism sector at ITF. It is especially commendable how everyone in the industry remained steadfast despite the three year-long COVID-19 pandemic, even seeking partnerships with government agencies to develop novel travel models and offer international visitors a wider variety of options. The last editions of ITF demonstrate a prominent rise in quality, with emphasis on themed, unique, and distinctly local travel experiences, as well as regional resource integration. This is the achievement of joint promotion by government agencies and businesses of different domains, all of whom are stepping up their efforts and striving to improve. We can be certain that Taiwan will only shine brighter as a brand, captivating more travelers from around the globe.

Minister Yiong shared in detail the wonders of Hakka village tourism routes, such as the Raknus Selu Trail, the Trail of Tea, Tipsy Travel itineraries, and the Tung Blossom Trail. He also spoke of the unique characteristics of every Hakka village across Taiwan. These have inspired HAC to launch numerous community mini tours, because travel is the best occasion for cultures to come together. When staying abroad, Minister Yiong is fond of getting lost in lesser known streets where people live their day to day. This is also how one gets the most out of these Hakka villages, experiencing the rich layers of history, culture, and ecology hidden in each corner. Everyone is welcome to visit a Hakka village and discover our close connection to the land!

ITF is the most popular travel fair in the Asia Pacific, with 104 countries/cities participating this year, a new record after 6 editions! More than 1,300 kiosks enthusiastically offered attendants endless possibilities for travel until November 6. HAC curated a Hakka Pavilion themed “Somewhere in Hakka”, showcasing five themed itineraries including the Raknus Selu Trail and Tung Blossom Trail. People were encouraged to visit the Hakka Pavilion with an array of fun daily activities and gifts through purchases. It is hoped that more are convinced to become familiar with Hakka culture, fall in love with Hakka cuisine, tread on Hakka villages, and experience the beauty of “Somewhere in Hakka”!