Taiwan focuses on bay tourism with eco-friendly initiatives

To further develop Taiwan’s bay tourism, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has announced new initiatives designed to spread knowledge, appreciation and awareness of the country’s tourism destinations.

In Taiwan, 2018 has been designated as the Year of Bay Tourism. The goal of the program is to encourage tourists to explore Taiwan’s 10 major islands, develop island eco-tourism, and inform locals and tourists about protecting marine ecology.

As part of the program’s strategy, there will be an emphasis on the sustainable development of the country’s bay tourism. It aims to strengthen overall tourism in southern Taiwan (regional tourism), rejuvenate the national tourism development plan, and spread awareness about clean ecological activities in Penghu Bays.

“We hope to stimulate the development of the entire industry”

Tourism Bureau, director-general, Joe Chou, said: “Through efforts such as creating a sightseeing resources inventory, integrating of local industries, packaging tourism products, developing peripheral products, marketing domestically and overseas, and developing source markets, we hope to stimulate the development of the entire industry, create interesting tourism topics, and stimulate tourist participation, thus further energizing the development of the overall tourism industry.”

In a jointly held press conference between the bureau and the Penghu County Government, it was announced that the campaign will employ key concepts in bay tourism such as advocacy, resource conservation, in-depth experience, and inheritance of experiences.

Under the four focus areas, the administration will actively promote the reduction of marine litter and appeal to the public to reduce the use of plastic. It includes actively participating in beach clean-up activities and environmental protection work, avoiding the use of disposable plastic products and avoiding the purchase or use of plastics.

Additionally, the administration has created a tourism environment focused on ‘new and fresh tourism spots’ and ‘clean coastlines’. Each year, it will continue to clean the environment of beaches near tourist attractions using public-private partnerships.