Taiwan, a vibrant island nation roughly two-thirds the size of Nova Scotia, is rapidly emerging as an enticing destination for travelers. This diversity was showcased at a recent Taiwan Tourism B2B event on June 9th at the stylish Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto.
Highlighting Taiwan’s Allure
This inaugural event, part of a three-city tour across North America, attracted around 80 professionals from the Canadian travel sector alongside a large delegation from Taiwan. Participants included inbound tour operators, a traditional Amis dance troupe, and a well-known Taiwanese television figure.
In 2022, over 112,000 Canadians traveled to Taiwan, marking a remarkable 22% increase from the previous year. “It looks like we’re on a roll,” remarked an attendee, signifying a growing interest in Taiwanese tourism.
A Tapestry of Experiences
Home to over 23 million residents, Taiwan offers an astonishing range of attractions, from its 300+ buzzing night markets to a lively karaoke culture. Renowned for its bubble tea, the island takes pride in its culinary traditions.
Taiwan’s Indigenous culture thrives with 16 recognized communities, proudly presenting their rich history and traditions. This spirit was embodied during the Toronto event, where a lively Amis dance troupe showcased their captivating performances adorned in colorful, traditional costumes.
Outdoor Adventures Await
Michael McCreesh, CEO of Taiwan Outdoors, who has resided in Taiwan since 2019, specializes in unique outdoor experiences such as diving, birdwatching, cycling, and hiking, including night hikes. “Taiwan is actually 70% trees and mountains,” remarked McCreesh, emphasizing the island’s suitability for adventure seekers. Whale watching season runs approximately from March to August, adding another thrilling opportunity for visitors.
Michael Wu from MyTaiwanTour highlighted a variety of offerings that include day trips, multi-day tours with guaranteed departures, and themed itineraries that showcase the rich Amis culture.
Growing MICE Industry
Taiwan’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is flourishing. Renowned for hosting diverse trade shows spanning medical supplies to drone technologies, the Taiwanese government provides robust support for meeting planners, offering assistance with site inspections, promotional materials, and financial incentives.
Easy Access for Travelers
Canadian travelers enjoy straightforward access to Taiwan, with roughly 190 weekly flights from North America, including 14 departures from Vancouver and seven from Toronto. Taiwan’s flagship airline, EVA Air, operates daily flights from both cities to Taipei on Boeing 777s. A member of the Star Alliance, EVA ranks among the world’s top 10 airlines, securing a spot as the fourth-best for cabin crew in the 2024 Skytrax awards.
Flight times average between 12-14 hours from the West Coast and around 15-16 hours from the East Coast. Notably, Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to Taiwan.
The Allure of Taiwan Awaits
Diverse and unexpected, Taiwan is an alluring standalone destination or an ideal addition for travelers exploring other parts of Asia, given its location in the Pacific and extensive flight connectivity. The next time a traveler seeks a blend of adventure, culture, and uniqueness, the question “Have you ever been to Taiwan?” could open the door to incredible experiences.
