As for how to achieve this, President Lai stated that Taiwan’s travel and domestic tourism revenue has reached NT$837.8 billion, and is hoped to achieve the trillion-dollar target by 2030. To this end, the government will consider establishing a dedicated research department to integrate talent cultivation, product development, and the tourism industry chain, in order to maximize benefits. He also mentioned that there has never been a better time for national tourism development thanks to additional holidays, continued economic growth, and the tax cuts and social investment policies from recent years. However, pricing and quality also pose challenges for travel within Taiwan, so businesses must step up their efforts to deliver better experiences and services.
On the same day, Chiu Hsing-wei, Deputy Minister of the Hakka Affairs Council (HAC), also attended the Hakka Pavilion opening ceremony on behalf of HAC Minister Gu Show-faye. Together with Honorary Chairperson Yeh Chu-lan, Chairperson Chien Yu-yen, Beipu Township Mayor Chuang Ming-tseng, Meinong Farmers' Association Plant Manager Chiu Kuo-ching, Guanshan Township Hakka Museum Director Tsai Hsin-yi, and LOHAS Small Farmer Manager Huang Kun-sheng, they experienced the preparation of a staple Hakka dish, pug coi (覆菜), or pickled mustard greens, to kickstart the event. Deputy Minister Chiu pointed out that the letter H in “Hakka” can be associated with “Healing”, that is, Hakka culture can offer people natural, warm, and healing energies. HAC’s promotion focuses on these qualities, hoping that more visitors can experience the beauty of Hakka villages.
Deputy Minister Chiu also invited people to “hurry up, come and eat some pork!” He laughed and said that pork can be regarded as the essence of Hakka cuisine, especially meat from black pigs, a common ingredient in the iconic “four simmered and four stir-fried” dishes. Now that restrictions due to African swine fever have been lifted, it’s the perfect chance to savor some pork from Hakka black pigs. Everyone is welcome to visit Hakka villages and enjoy delicious Hakka dishes. Have a taste of Hakka hospitality!
