Taiwan has become an emerging destination of choice for Filipino travelers. This began when Taiwan allowed visa-free entry for Filipinos last year. Previously, Filipino travelers would often choose visa-free Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia for their first out-of-country trip.
PHOTO: Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Kuala Lumpur Director, proposes a toast with Cebu travel stakeholders at a travel workshop. It’s #TimeForTaiawan
The Taiwanese government is continuing to provide Filipinos with visa-free access to Taiwan, until July 31, 2019. With this, Abe Chou, director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Kuala Lumpur is expecting more Filipinos to visit Taiwan.
He shared that a total of 290,000 Filipinos visited Taiwan in 2017. This year, they are targetting to reach 400,000 Filipino visitors, and they are on track to reaching that target because 285,819 Filipinos have already visited the country in January to August of this year. This marks a growth of 57.17% over the same period last year.
Abe Chou, director of Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Kuala Lumpur
Chou cites our proximity as one of the top reasons to visit Taiwan. Taiwan is only 2 hours away by plane from Manila (2 hours and 45 minutes if coming from Cebu).
With the slogan, “Time for Taiwan”, their government wishes to lure tourists into Taiwan with their good and very affordable food, plus other historical and natural attractions. (My favorite addiction: “bubble tea” originated in Taiwan). Not a lot of people know that Taiwan actually has four seasons, so you can also catch “cherry blossoms” there.
The award-winning Taiwan Cheerleading Team, performed a lively routine with stakeholders and members of the Cebu media as their audience
There are currently six airlines that operate flights between the Philippines and Taiwan. They are China Airlines, Eva Air, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and the latest, TigerAir Taiwan, will be launching direct flights between Cebu and Taipei on December.
I haven’t been to Taiwan, so an immediate visit is in order. See you there?