Revealed: initiatives to bolster tourism in southern Taiwan unveiled
Taiwan Intends to Boost Tourism in Southern Regions with $334 Million Investment Plan
The Taiwan Tourism Administration has announced a $334.12 million investment plan, named Smiling Southern Taiwan, intended to increase tourist inflow to under-visited regions of southern Taiwan and its outlying islands. The initiative seeks to draw more foreign and domestic visitors, aiming to diversify tourism away from the heavily-trafficked northern regions.
The announcement was made by Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui at a forum in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture. The objective of the plan is to focus on cultural and historical development, eco-tourism, and infrastructure to improve accessibility and overall tourist experience.
The cultural and historical sector will receive funding to develop museums in southern Taiwan. Funds will also be allocated to locations that showcase natural scenery or unique local culture. Infrastructure improvements will include thematic connections between major attractions, visitor centers, and greenways. The outlying islands will also benefit from the investment plan.
For instance, Tainan will receive NT$300 million in subsidies, which will be used to connect several key sites, such as Hatta Yoichi Memorial Park, Wusanto Reservoir, Zengwen Dam, and local hot springs. A visitor’s center will also be established at Taijiang National Park.
Hualien County will receive NT$300 million to improve the Yufu Biking Trail and infrastructure for tourism in the county’s mountains. Infrastructure at Kenting National Park in Pingtung County will be improved to boost visitor comfort and convenience. Plans also include building attractions revolving around fishing, diving, and other watersports in Penghu County.
Director-General Chou stated that Taiwan aims to attract 300,000 more Japanese tourists this year compared to last year. However, he noted that this goal may not be easy to achieve as Japanese tourism has only recovered to 60% of pre-pandemic levels, and the depreciating yen has dampened enthusiasm for travel.
Taiwanese tourism industry leader Chien Yu-yen emphasized the importance of enhancing Taiwan’s appeal to international visitors by focusing on quality experiences rather than purely numerical targets.
The annual forum, attended by Chou and Chien, was held in Yonago, Tigerair's 22nd destination, with flights between the city and Taiwan every Monday and Friday. The forum for the following year is set to be held in Miaoli County. The event marked the inaugural flight of Tigerair Taiwan to the city.
The $334.12 million investment plan, 'Smiling Southern Taiwan', not only aims to boost tourism in under-visited regions of southern Taiwan but also seeks to diversify the tourism landscape beyond the heavily-trafficked northern regions. This investment plan, in addition to focusing on cultural and historical development, eco-tourism, and infrastructure improvements, also incorporates technology to enhance visitor experiences and travel convenience.
In line with this, Director-General Chou envisions the potential integration of technology in tourism attractions, such as building attractions revolving around fishing, diving, and other watersports in Penghu County, embracing the fusion of technology and lifestyle for attractive and engaging travel experiences.
