AGP Executive Report

Air Links: Starlux plans Taipei–Auckland flights via Sydney from March 23, starting four times weekly and rising to daily in May, adding a new option for Taiwan–New Zealand travel. Winter Getaway: New Taipei’s Christmasland runs Nov. 13 to Dec. 27, with a Kanahei-themed display set to draw visitors. Travel Incentives: Taiwan is promoting weekday accommodation subsidies and has extended its airport voucher program for transit passengers through 2028. Outdoor Safety: A bear sighting in Nantou has prompted a hiking warning; visitors should follow local guidance on trails. Culture and Connections: Diwali celebrations in Tamsui brought Indian and Taiwanese crowds together, as organizers highlighted new direct Taipei–Delhi flights. Outbound Tourism: Oman sent three travel companies to Taipei’s International Travel Fair to build partnerships and attract visitors from Taiwan.

Holiday Events: New Taipei’s Christmasland opens Nov. 13 and runs through Dec. 27, bringing light displays, markets and performances to Banqiao. Hiking Safety: Two Formosan black bears were spotted near Nantou’s Nenggao Cross-Ridge Trail; officials urge hikers to secure food, avoid hiking alone and keep their distance from bears. Tourism Promotion: Taiwan’s International Travel Fair drew overseas tourism pitches, including Oman’s bid to attract East Asian visitors and Belize’s campaign in Asia. Travel Incentives: Taiwan is extending its weekday accommodation subsidy, while airport vouchers for transit passengers will continue through 2028. Tourism Goals: President Lai reiterated Taiwan’s 2030 tourism ambitions as the travel fair opened, with a target of NT$1 trillion in industry output. Culture and Connections: Diwali celebrations at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf drew Indian residents and local visitors, as Taiwan-India ties grow alongside new direct Taipei-Delhi flights.

Christmasland: New Taipei’s festival opens Nov. 13 and runs through Dec. 27 in Banqiao, with Kanahei characters, light displays, markets and performances. Travel Deals: Agoda’s Nov. 16–30 sale offers hotel discounts of up to 60%, with VIP access starting Nov. 12; Taipei is among the top destinations Hong Kong travelers are searching for winter trips. Domestic Stays: Taiwan extended weekday lodging subsidies through year-end. More than 3.32 million people have registered, though hotel groups say many use the subsidy for just one night. Rail Access: Chiayi’s long-closed Tropic of Cancer station is expected to reopen in the second half of 2027, serving nearby communities and attractions including Alishan. Transit Incentives: Taiwan has extended its airport voucher program for transit passengers through 2028.

Christmasland: New Taipei’s 45-day Christmasland celebration runs Nov. 13 to Dec. 27, with Kanahei’s Small animals, themed light zones and a hot-air-balloon centerpiece around Banqiao. Taiwan on the 2027 travel map: Taiwan made Fora’s list of destinations expected to gain ground next year, as the travel agency reported bookings for China nearly tripled. Camping innovation: Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute has developed a self-heating meal pack using recycled oyster shells, designed for camping and other outdoor activities. Travel incentives: Taiwan has extended its gift-voucher program for travelers and its airport voucher program for transit passengers through 2028. Regional getaway: Taiwanese nationals are among those eligible for visa-free entry to Indonesia for stays of up to 30 days, subject to entry conditions.

Travel Incentives: Taiwan is extending airport vouchers for transit passengers through 2028 and continuing a separate gift-voucher program for travelers. A weekday travel subsidy is also set to run through year-end. Tourism Goals: President Lai reiterated a target of NT$1 trillion in tourism output by 2030 as Taiwan’s international travel fair opened. Island Getaways: A new guide highlights Penghu’s island attractions, while Tamsui drew crowds for its Indian Festival of Lights. Visitor Safety: Three Singaporeans were injured in a head-on crash involving a car and taxi in Taiwan.

Travel Incentives: Taiwan has extended its traveler voucher program and airport vouchers for transit passengers through 2028, while the Cabinet approved a further tourism subsidy extension. Tourism Targets: President Lai renewed his goal of growing the tourism industry to NT$1 trillion by 2030 as Taiwan’s travel fair opened. Cycling Tourism: Five-time Grand Tour champion Primož Roglič joined the Taiwan Masters Ride and tackled Wuling Pass, bringing a high-profile spotlight to the island’s mountain cycling routes. Traveler Alert: Online agency ezTravel says a breach may have exposed booking details for more than 690,000 members, including names and contact information; it says payment card numbers and passwords were not compromised and warns customers to watch for scams. Tourism Links: A visiting Belize delegation discussed sustainable tourism cooperation with Taiwan, including ways to build travel-industry training.

Hualien Safety: Three Singaporean tourists were injured when their taxi was hit head-on by a car in Hualien on Nov. 7. Their injuries were not life-threatening, but the crash is a reminder to take care on Taiwan’s winding roads. Travel Support: Taiwan is extending its airport voucher program for transit passengers through 2028, while a separate tourism subsidy extension has also won Cabinet approval. Tourism Goals: President Lai Ching-te reiterated Taiwan’s 2030 tourism targets as the island’s travel fair opened, keeping the focus on attracting visitors and growing the sector.

Transit Incentives: Taiwan has extended its NT$600 voucher for eligible foreign transit passengers at Taoyuan Airport through 2028, aiming to encourage travelers to leave the airport and explore. Tourism Growth: President Lai reiterated a goal of lifting tourism industry output to NT$1 trillion by 2030 as the Taiwan International Travel Fair opened; organizers expect more than 400,000 visitors. Culture and Connectivity: New Taipei’s Tamsui drew crowds for its Indian Festival of Lights, where organizers highlighted EVA Air’s Taipei–New Delhi direct flights, set to resume Dec. 1 after a six-year break. Travel Inspiration: One visitor’s Taiwan tour with her 80-year-old mother offered a reminder that active itineraries—from climbing to Ci’en Pagoda to group sightseeing—can suit older travelers, too.

Transit Perks: Taiwan extended its NT$600 Taoyuan Airport voucher program for foreign transit passengers through 2028 and plans to add 40,000 vouchers; the remaining supply is expected to run out by the end of November. New Delhi Flights: Diwali celebrations drew crowds to Tamsui, where officials highlighted EVA Air’s Taipei–New Delhi service, launching Dec. 1 after a six-year break. Tourism Push: Taiwan’s travel fair opened with more than 400,000 visitors expected, as President Lai reiterated the goal of reaching NT$1 trillion in tourism output by 2030.

Transit Stopovers: Taiwan has extended its NT$600 voucher offer for eligible foreign passengers entering the country during a Taoyuan airport layover through 2028, or until funds run out. The Tourism Administration plans to add 40,000 vouchers; travelers must register and stay no longer than 24 hours. Tourism Push: Taipei’s international travel fair opened with about 1,600 booths representing 123 countries and cities, and organizers expect more than 400,000 visitors. President Lai Ching-te reiterated a goal of lifting tourism industry output to NT$1 trillion by 2030, while Belize used the fair to promote its attractions to Asian travelers. Trail Safety: Tourists who pitched tents beside the Alishan Railway tracks face fines, a reminder to camp only in designated areas.

Tourism Goals: President Lai Ching-te renewed Taiwan’s 2030 targets of 10 million international visitors and NT$1 trillion in annual tourism output, highlighting better service, stronger branding and six trails promoted through the T-WALK program. Travel Fair: The Taiwan International Travel Fair opened with organizers expecting more than 400,000 visitors; reports point to growing demand for premium trips. Travel Incentives: The Cabinet has approved an extension of tourism subsidies and a weekday travel program through year-end, giving travelers more reason to plan domestic trips. Trip Ideas: A new Taiwan guide spotlights Michelin dining, historic streets, hot springs and layover activities, while a feature on the Alishan Forest Railway showcases one of the island’s most scenic mountain journeys.

Tourism Goals: President Lai reiterated Taiwan’s 2030 targets of 10 million annual international visitors and NT$1 trillion in tourism output at the Taiwan International Travel Fair. He pointed to better services, stronger branding, digital tools and the T-WALK trail network as ways to attract visitors. Regional Links: Taipei and Daegu agreed to expand tourism exchanges alongside cooperation in technology and healthcare. Taiwanese visitors made up 55% of Daegu’s foreign arrivals last year. Domestic Travel: The Cabinet approved extending tourism subsidies, while a weekday travel program is set to continue through year-end.

Domestic Travel: Taiwan has extended its weekday travel subsidy program through year-end, offering accommodation discounts of up to NT$2,000 and other deals. The program aims to encourage longer stays and travel beyond major cities. Travel Costs: October inflation pushed airfares up 12.53% year-on-year, as fuel surcharges and airport fees rose; international tour packages also cost more. Travel Demand: Taiwan’s travel fair expects more than 400,000 visitors, with premium trips drawing interest.

Travel Safety: A tour bus carrying visitors from Taiwan, Brazil and Costa Rica overturned near Türkiye’s Cappadocia region, injuring 16 people, two critically. Taiwan Getaways: Hualien’s Pacific Hot Spring Season runs through November, while Taichung is promoting a flower celebration and a new geotourism spot. A new guide highlights Michelin dining, historic streets, hot springs and layover ideas. Travel Demand: Taiwan’s travel fair expects more than 400,000 visitors, with premium trips in demand; Taiwan Tourism also took its #100WaysToWonder campaign to travel trade in San Diego. On the Road: Flight fuel surcharges are set to rise for the fourth time this year. Tourists who camp along the Alishan Railway tracks risk fines, and the search continues for a Japanese visitor missing in Jiufen.

Taiwan Travel Picks: Taiwan’s tourism campaign is pitching Filipino visitors a mix of Michelin-recognized dining, night markets, old streets and hot springs, with video contests and a returning-traveler draw to inspire trips. Visitor Demand: Taiwan’s travel fair is expecting more than 400,000 visitors as interest in premium trips grows. In South Korea, expanding Busan air links reflect a tourism surge, with foreign travelers making up 89% of passengers on the Busan–Taipei route. Weather Watch: Powerful storms have disrupted travel across East Asia in recent months, canceling hundreds of flights in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan. Taiwan avoided a direct hit from one major typhoon, but heavy rain still caused disruption.

Visitor Campaign: Taiwan is pitching Filipino travelers on Michelin-recognized dining, night markets, old streets, hot springs and layover itineraries through a new campaign featuring four local creators. Airline Links: Etihad and STARLUX have expanded their loyalty partnership, letting members earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks in all cabins. Travel Demand: Taiwan’s travel fair expects more than 400,000 visitors, with premium trips drawing strong interest. Outdoor Safety: Campers who pitched tents beside the Alishan Forest Railway face fines, a reminder to respect rules at popular scenic sites.