Taiwan-PH bilateral tourism ties foresees unlimited potential

THE Taiwan Tourism Bureau in cooperation with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) recently sponsored the 2017 Taiwan Tourism Workshop held at the New World Manila Bay Hotel on July, 5. The event was a great occasion to showcase Taiwan’s latest tourism developments and initiatives and allow different industries to take part in these endeavors. The workshop featured a “Travel Mart” and presentations from different Taiwanese and Filipino partner institutions, followed by a hearty dinner and program to cap off the festivities.

In attendance were TECO representatives Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Minister James Chu and Director for the Press Division Jerry Chuang. Also Yi-Ting Chen, Deputy Bureau, Fu- Min Wang, Deputy Secretary-General from the Taiwan Visitors Association, and Yi-Hsuan Lee, Sub-Section Chief from the Department of Information and Tourism of the Taipei City Government, and among others graced the event with their presence.

Dr. Lin gave a welcome speech during the event’s dinner highlighting the growing relationship between the Philippines and Taiwan and how tourism can boost this relationship to even greater heights. He stated that both nations tend to overlook each other over the years despite its geographical closeness, only being separated

According to Dr. Lin, “It is time for the Philippines and Taiwan to beef up our traditionally longstanding friendship.” The Taiwan TECO Representative Gary Song-Huann Lin

(from left) Fu-Min Wang, Madam Mei-ming Chu, Minster James Chu, Ambassador Gary Lin, Madam Lin, Cindy Chen together with members of TECO in the Philippines and the South Asian Nations. He believes that through these joint efforts “will not only enhance our trade and investments, but also to government has already done its part by currently easing the entrance of Filipinos into Taiwan through its visa-liberalization initiatives. He mentioned that once all preparations have been completed, the Taiwanese government is expected to make a formal announcement in September indicating the exact date to grant the visa-free entry treatment for all Filipinos.

Along with the recently implemented “New Southbound PolThe MHD Diablo Art Taiwan showcases breathtaking icy” which tops performances and skills the Philippines on the priority strengthen our exchanges of cullist, Gary Lin believes that these ture, education, people to people, actions will help strengthen the and including tourism…” two countries’ “comprehensive reTo him, “this is the best time lationship” along with the ASEAN for our two nations to partner nations, New Zealand, Australia, together” and encourage travel- ling to each other’s country. In closing the event, Dr. Lin assured government, will always extend welcome hands and have a place for their Filipino brothers and sisters.

Last July 6 to July 9, more than 60 participants including delegations from Taiwan attended the 2017 Travel Madness Expo (TME) held at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. This threeday event showcased the beauty of Taiwan and give the participants a taste of what to expect when visiting Taiwan. The guests were treated to multiple performances and activities like nail painting, acrobatics, balloon artists, cotton candy making, a variety of food tastings and many others. These are all made available to let the participants experience the joy and beauty of Taiwan.