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Tourism in Taiwan: 2024 Trends and Predictions
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Taiwan has emerged as a prominent destination for travellers worldwide. Taiwan is famous for its stunning landscapes, lively cities, diverse culture, and delicious food. It offers a mix of traditional and modern experiences. In this blog we explore most recent trends in tourism in Taiwan.
Tourism is important for the economy. Understanding trends and making predictions about the future of tourism in this country is crucial.
Taiwan has steadily increased international tourist arrivals over the past decade. In 2019, it saw a record high of over 11 million international visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in 2020 and 2021. However, recent data indicates a strong recovery.
Visitor Arrivals recorded 648,348 people in February 2024, compared with 589,961 in the previous month.
Taiwan’s appeal lies in its diverse range of attractions. Taiwan offers travellers a variety of experiences. Taipei is a bustling city known for its iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. Sun Moon Lake is a tranquil destination, while Taroko Gorge boasts impressive marble cliffs.
Taiwan’s night markets are well-known for their street food. The Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival are cultural events adding charm to the country.
With growing global awareness of environmental conservation, eco-tourism has gained momentum in the country. The island boasts numerous national parks, protected areas, and eco-friendly resorts.
Eco-conscious travelers like to hike in Alishan National Scenic Area, cycle around Sun Moon Lake, and explore the diverse plants and animals in Kenting National Park.
Mobile technology is at the forefront of Taiwan’s digital tourism initiatives. Most travellers today rely on smartphones for various aspects of their trips, from booking hotels to navigating new cities.
Taiwan has leveraged this trend by developing mobile applications for tourists. These apps offer details about places to visit, how to get around, where to eat, and cultural advice for travellers. The information can help tourists plan and have a great time on their trip.
Tourists can use QR codes and augmented reality (AR) to enhance their experience. QR codes are available at tourist spots for quick access to information about the location, history, and visitor tips.
AR technology is used in museums, heritage sites, and parks to offer interactive and immersive experiences. Visitors can use AR apps to view historical reconstructions and receive virtual guides to help them understand and engage with the site.
Digital payment systems are another crucial component of Taiwan’s smart tourism infrastructure. Tourists can now enjoy a cashless experience with mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, LINE Pay, and JKO Pay.
This convenience extends to public transportation, restaurants, and retail stores, ensuring visitors can make payments quickly and securely.
Taiwan has developed several smart tourism hubs designed to offer seamless and innovative experiences to tourists. These hubs integrate various technologies, such as free Wi-Fi, digital kiosks, and interactive maps, to provide real-time information and assistance to visitors.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in Taiwan’s tourism sector. AI-powered travel assistants, available through mobile apps and websites, offer personalized recommendations based on user preferences and behaviour.
These assistants can help tourists find and enjoy the best places to visit, eat, and see in Taiwan. AI chatbots also provide instant customer service, answering queries and helping with bookings and reservations.
Smart transportation solutions are essential for enhancing tourists’ mobility and connectivity. Taiwan’s public transportation system includes the Taipei Metro and high-speed rail. These systems use digital technology for real-time updates, route planning, and ticketing services. The digital technology lets passengers stay informed about their journey and easily purchase tickets.
Smart bike-sharing programs like YouBike offer convenient and eco-friendly options for tourists to explore cities. Additionally, apps that aggregate taxi and ride-sharing services ensure tourists can easily find transportation options.
Virtual reality (VR) and online tours have gained popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan has developed VR experiences and virtual tours that allow potential visitors to explore attractions remotely.
Digital experiences promote tourism and provide access for those unable to travel, encouraging visitors to come in person. Notable VR tours include virtual visits to Taroko Gorge and the National Palace Museum.
Google Maps is a helpful navigation and mapping tool used globally. It also has a street view feature, allowing users to see their destination’s surroundings.
Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation provides a mobile ticketing and boarding service via the T Express app. You may purchase tickets for high-speed rail at any time, any place, no matter where you are. For an easy and greener boarding experience, you can also download a mobile ticket with a QR code on your phone.
Taiwan Railways Administration connects to the Taiwan Railways ticketing system around the clock to give up-to-date information on Taiwan Railway travel. The app lets you reserve train seats, make payments, and check your booking records. You can also modify reservations and collect tickets online or on your mobile device.
55688, the top taxi service brand in Taiwan, dedicates itself to offering reliable, comfortable, and attentive service! We provide a location-based online booking service throughout Taiwan all day and night. For your convenience, we accept about thirty different payment options in addition to cash, including credit card binding!
LINE is the go-to messaging app in Taiwan for effective communication while travelling.
Read our blog and learn why LINE is the leading app in Taiwan and how to use it to boost your digital marketing in the country.
The two most widely used meal delivery apps in Taiwan are Food Panda and Uber Eats. Taiwanese customers adore food delivery services.
Numerous partner eateries are available on these applications, such as well-known chains, neighbourhood snack shops, and coffee shops. Regarding payment options, both applications are crucial for travellers visiting Taiwan.
Due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, more people in Taiwan may choose to travel domestically instead of internationally. People may explore more of their own country, leading to increased demand for local attractions, accommodation, and experiences.
People are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment. This may lead to a growing interest in sustainable tourism practices in Taiwan. This might include eco-friendly accommodations, responsible tour operators, and initiatives to preserve natural and cultural heritage sites.
Taiwan is known for innovating technology. Expect to see more technology integration into the tourism sector. Mobile apps for booking tours, virtual reality experiences to showcase attractions, and smart destination management systems to enhance visitor experiences.
Taiwan has a diverse culture. Travellers can enjoy traditional festivals, learn about Indigenous cultures, and try local food for an authentic experience. Cultural tourism could rise as people look for meaningful connections with the places they visit.
With increasing health and wellness awareness, Taiwan may see growth in wellness tourism. This could include visits to hot springs, meditation retreats, or wellness resorts offering activities like yoga and tai chi.
As remote work becomes more common, Taiwan could attract digital nomads looking for a blend of work and travel. The country’s modern infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture make it an appealing destination for remote workers.
Taiwan may strengthen tourism partnerships with neighbouring countries to promote regional travel circuits. This could involve joint marketing campaigns, visa facilitation agreements, and the development of cross-border tourism infrastructure.
Tourism businesses in Taiwan may need to change their services to meet travellers’ needs. This could include easier booking, customized experiences, and better health and safety measures in response to events like pandemics.
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