Home » Breaking News » Taiwan’s tourism industry set to boom in 2024, with visa-free travel to 143 countries including Japan, US, UK
Saturday, July 20, 2024
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Taiwan’s outbound travel industry is vibrant and diversified, characterized by travelers’ sense of adventure and interest in exploring new cultures. Taiwanese tourists are increasingly affluent and armed with powerful passports, and as such, they frequent a wide variety of destinations in Asia, Europe and North America. Reflecting the island’s own rich heritage, the Taiwanese market has shown a strong interest in cultural experiences, nature and culinary tourism.
The easing of travel restrictions and customized travel packages have further stimulated international travel. Popular destinations include Japan, Thailand and the United States, with Taiwanese tourists making significant contributions to the local economy through their spending on accommodation, shopping and dining.
In 2023, a record 11,795,834 Taiwanese people will travel overseas, up significantly from 1,482,821 in 2022. Of these travelers, over 58% (6,870,883 people) are starting their trips in the second half of the year, indicating a possible decline in domestic travel.
Japan was the top destination, attracting 4,911,681 tourists from Taiwan, followed by mainland China with 4,043,686, Hong Kong with 1,676,374, South Korea with 1,209,062 and Vietnam with 853,257.
Taiwanese people traveling abroad has surged since international travel restrictions were lifted in October 2022. By June 2023, the number of Taiwanese people traveling overseas exceeded one million in a single month, hitting the highest level since 2020.
The United States has consistently been a preferred long-haul destination for Taiwanese travelers, welcoming more than 137,000 travelers from Taiwan in 2022. The number of Taiwanese tourists visiting the United States surged by 139% in 2023. These travelers are primarily visiting for family reunions, business relationships, trade fairs, and educational purposes, creating huge opportunities for the U.S. travel and tourism industry.
Visa Exemption List
Africa
Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Gambia, Togo
Asia
Armenia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Macau (Special Administrative Region of China), Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestinian Territory, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste
Europe
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vatican City
North America
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greenland, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States of America, US Virgin Islands
Oceania
American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
south america
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
Thailand has been actively courting tourists from Taiwan and is ranked as a major travel destination. The Thai government took a significant step, announcing on Friday that tourists from Taiwan will be able to extend their stay to 60 days per entry under a visa waiver program.
For many travelers, a trip to Thailand begins in the vibrant capital, Bangkok. This dynamic metropolis is a feast for the senses, with sizzling street food, bustling markets, and hidden temples. Take a scenic cruise along the Chao Phraya River or sip a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars. You can also stay in a luxury hotel, such as the Capella Bangkok or the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, both of which boast stunning locations along the Chao Phraya River. Thailand is home to more than 1,400 islands along its coastline, and the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea are one of the most iconic. Comprised of the islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, these islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, fantastic diving spots, and vibrant nightlife, especially on Koh Phi Phi Don. The uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh is perfect for relaxing in tranquil nature and was made famous by its appearance in the film “The Beach,” which depicts the breathtaking beauty of Maya Bay. Ayutthaya is one of Thailand’s most fascinating destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into a fascinating past. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya’s stunning ruins exude haunting beauty, transporting visitors back in time. Located just an hour from Bangkok, it’s the perfect place for a day trip or overnight getaway.
In the first four months of this year, 210,283 Taiwanese tourists visited Thailand, recording a significant increase of 74.05% year-on-year. In a similar move, Indonesia has actively implemented a visa waiver program for Taiwanese tourists, further enhancing their travel experience. In 2023, Indonesia welcomed approximately 155,150 tourists from Taiwan.
China Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan), manages a large fleet of aircraft supporting an extensive network in Asia, serving North America, Canada, Europe, Australia and the Pacific. The Taipei-based airline recently launched a new route to Seattle, further expanding its North American network. Additionally, the airline is scheduled to take delivery of the first of 24 Boeing 787 jets it has ordered, which are scheduled to join its fleet in 2025.
China Airlines has played a key role in the North American market for more than 50 years, and the new direct flight to Seattle will expand its passenger network in the northwestern U.S. The expansion will provide travelers with more than 40 round-trip flights per week to the U.S. and Canada, enhancing connectivity between Taiwan and the Americas.
Additionally, the company operates nearly 400 weekly flights to serve travelers between North America and Southeast Asia, as well as those transiting through Northeast Asia, and aims to expand its market share in Asia through its extensive regional network.
Amid growing competition on the Taipei to Seattle route, Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines announced it would begin operating three round trips per week starting Aug. 15, becoming just the fourth airline to operate the route. In response, EVA Air increased its service from seven to 10 round trips per week starting June 25.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, also known as Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, is the main international gateway to Taipei and the busiest airport in Taiwan. Known for its efficient and modern facilities, it caters to both domestic and international flights, making it one of the most traveller-friendly airports in Asia.
In 2023, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport reported a record 6.25 million transit passengers, driven by rising demand from passengers travelling between North America and Southeast Asia, a 17.5% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019 managed by Taiwan International Airport Corporation (TIAC). Notably, Dubai International Airport maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport last year, handling 86.8 million passengers.
According to last year’s transit passenger statistics, 37.9 percent of travelers were from North America and 35.8 percent were from Southeast Asia, highlighting Taiwan’s strategic importance as a major transportation hub in East Asia. Taoyuan Airport’s total passenger numbers are expected to surge from 5.3 million in 2022 to 35.35 million in 2023.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is a hub for a variety of international and regional airlines, including China Eastern, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EVA Air, Hong Kong Express, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Peach Aviation, Royal Air Philippines, Starlux, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and VietJet Air.
Tags: Austria, Brazil, China, China Airlines, France, International Travel, Italy, Japan, Schengen, Taiwan News, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Thailand, Travel News, UK, USA, Visa Waiver News, Visa Waiver Travel
