In 2017, Taiwan welcomed the largest number of British tourists ever to the destination – 64,719 travellers – representing an increase of 8.3% on visitor numbers in 2016.
The UK market has grown year-on-year since 2013 and joins Germany and France as the three largest sources of European travellers to the destination.
Taiwan offers British travellers a combination of Asia’s highlights, from ultra-modern cities and a great food scene, to mountainous terrain and expansive coastlines, plus centuries-old traditions and cultures.
Joe Y Chou, director general of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, said: “Over the past year, we’ve been focusing on increasing visitor numbers from all of our key international markets, including the UK, so we’re delighted to have welcomed the largest number of British tourists ever to Taiwan in 2017. We are dedicated to maintaining this year-on-year growth into 2018 through our close involvement with members of the UK travel trade and continuing to highlight what makes our country such an incredible holiday destination.”
Currently sold by more than 50 tour operators in the UK, two operators added Taiwan to their portfolio for the first time in 2017.
In order to further drive UK visitor numbers in 2017, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau worked closely with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR), as well as providing face to face and online training for travel agents.
This increase in visitor numbers from the UK was aided in the final quarter by the launch of the first direct flight from London Gatwick to Taipei with China Airlines on 1st December 2017.
Currently operating four flights a week, the airline will increase its non-stop route to five flights per week from 25th March 2018 due to high demand. This direct service complements EVA Air’s daily flight to Taipei from London Heathrow, which touches down in Bangkok.
In 2018, the tourism bureau will be focusing on the destination’s marine tourism highlights. Surrounded by coastline and off-shore islands, Taiwan’s clear waters offer opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving among coral reefs and tropical fish, while beaches and ideal surfing conditions can be found at Kenting National Park at the country’s southernmost tip.
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