Taiwan Tourism reports almost 18% rise in Thai visitors to Taiwan in 2024. In partnership with KTC, they launched the 'Unseen Taiwan 2024' campaign, promoting year-round travel and revealing the eco-friendly 'Taiwan - Waves of Wonder' logo. This initiative targets Thai travelers seeking nearby, personalized, and sustainable experiences. By year-end, Taiwan Tourism aims to increase Thai visitors to at least pre-COVID levels.
Ms. Cindy Chen, Director, Taiwan Tourism Administration (Bangkok Office), announced that nearly 400,000 Thai tourists visited Taiwan in 2023. From January to April 2024, this number rose to 153,638, marking a 17.82% year-over-year increase. This growth is attributed to the extension of the 14-day visa-free policy for Thai tourists until July 31, 2025, and more direct flights from Bangkok to Taiwan. This year, Taiwan Tourism introduced the 'Taiwan - Waves of Wonder' logo, emphasizing eco-friendly tourism. The wavy lines, inspired by Taiwan's mountains, oceans, winding roads, and railways, reflect its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The orange color symbolizes the sunrise, representing hope for sustainable tourism for future generations.
To boost tourism while protecting natural and cultural resources, Taiwan has implemented several sustainable policies. These include educating tourism agencies on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and respecting local culture. Key initiatives are: 1. Ecotourism Initiatives: Establishing national parks, geoparks, and nature reserves with environmentally friendly tourism management plans. 2. Low-Carbon Transportation: Promoting travel by train, bicycle, or electric car rentals to reduce carbon emissions. 3. Certification and Standards: Helping tourism businesses obtain certifications like Green Travel Mark and Travelife to show commitment to sustainability. 4.?Infrastructure Development: Investing in eco-friendly accommodations, waste management, and tourist information centers to educate visitors on environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
Taiwan exemplifies proactive sustainable tourism with projects like the Sun Moon Lake reusable cup lending system, which reduces plastic waste by allowing visitors to borrow reusable cups. Another notable project is the Bicycle-Friendly signage initiative, certifying accommodations with cyclist-friendly facilities and promoting environmentally friendly travel.
As part of the 'Unseen Taiwan 2024' campaign, Taiwan offers exceptional experiences throughout the year:
Ms. Pattheera Anandchotiphatchara, Head of KTC World Travel Service and Airline Travel Marketing, 'KTC' or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, highlighted KTC's consistent Partnership Marketing strategy, especially in tourism. This strategy involves robust collaborations with tourism organizations, airlines, agents (both online and offline), hotels, trains, car rentals, and cruise ships. Through joint marketing activities, KTC offers members exclusive privileges via tourism events, fairs, workshops, and community activities, while enhancing targeted communication channels.
The successful collaboration with Taiwan Tourism in 2023 has led to an increase in KTC credit cardmembers spending in Taiwan. In the first half of 2024, Taiwan ranked 5th for total KTC card spend in Asia, following Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and China. Additionally, Taiwan ranked 4th in bookings through KTC World Travel Service, after Hong Kong, Japan, and China, with an average spend of 23,000 baht per cardmember.
Travel trends in 2024 show a shift towards shorter, personalized trips with a focus on environmental sustainability. In response, KTC World Travel Service introduced 'Green Products,' promoting eco-friendly travel options. As part of the 'Unseen Taiwan 2024' campaign, KTC has partnered with major airlines ? China Airlines, EVA Air, STARLUX Airlines, and Thai Airways International to offer exclusive discounts for KTC credit cardmembers booking through these airlines' websites and via KKday.
KTC World Travel Service presents the 'Taiwan Explorer' package, offering a 3-day, 2-night sustainable travel experience to destinations such as Taipei and Kaohsiung or other southern cities. Package details are as follows:
- Taiwan Explorer: 3 days, 2 nights at 13,900 baht/person, including round-trip economy class flights from Bangkok to Taipei with China Airlines, EVA Air, STARLUX Airlines, or Thai Airways International, 2 nights accommodation at Inhouse Hotel in Ximending with breakfast for 2, and unlimited MRT travel in Taipei for 3 days.
- Unseen Taiwan: 3 days, 2 nights at 15,900 baht/person, including economy class flights from Bangkok to Taipei and from Kaohsiung to Bangkok with China Airlines, 2 nights accommodation (excluding breakfast), and the Taiwan Pass High-Speed Rail Edition for unlimited travel for 3 days.
Booking period: 16 July 2024 - 31 December 2024. Travel period: 17 July 2024 - 15 January 2025. Enjoy 0% interest installment payments for 6 months. Special offer: Get a free Dragon Pass instantly when paying for airfare or packages with any KTC VISA credit card. For more details on the 'Unseen Taiwan 2024' campaign, visit www.ktc.co.th/UNSEENTAIWAN.
Mr. Kanapot Sitthiwong, Editor-in-Chief of My World Magazine, a bi-monthly travel publication tailored for KTC credit cardmembers who love traveling and are big spenders in the travel category, emphasized that their readers are frequent travelers, therefore plan their trips often. Taiwan is an ideal destination, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. Visitors can experience traditional Chinese culture alongside contemporary influences, explore stunning landscapes like Alishan National Park, and visit vibrant cities such as Kaohsiung. Taiwan's southern islands, including Penghu, offer a glimpse into traditional fishing lifestyles. Renowned for its diverse and delectable cuisine, Taiwan's street food, particularly in night markets, is a highlight. Efficient public transportation, including subways, buses, and high-speed rail, makes travel within Taiwan convenient. The friendliness and warm hospitality of Taiwanese people ensure tourists feel welcome and can immerse themselves in the local culture.
Ms. Kitcharat Narteetamrongsutt, 'Ratto Wanderlust' Facebook Page, noted that Taiwanese tourism has evolved to align with modern tourist lifestyles. Must-visit unseen gems include Yongkang Food Street, known for authentic local cuisine and picturesque cafes, and Rongjin Gorgeous Time Park, a trendy new attraction in Taipei popular among teenagers. This park blends natural beauty with a Japanese-style atmosphere, offering dining, shopping, and nature experiences in one convenient location.
Ms. Cindy Chen concluded by expressing her satisfaction with the collaboration between Taiwan Tourism and KTC for the second consecutive year. She praised KTC's support in public relations and special privileges for cardmembers, noting a steady increase in Thai tourists visiting Taiwan. By the end of 2024, they aim to boost the number of Thai tourists to at least pre-COVID levels.
For more information on travel privileges, contact KTC World Travel Service 02 123 5050 from 8.00 a.m. to 22.00 p.m., or chat via LINE at @KTCWORLD. To register for a KTC credit card, click the link: https://ktc.today/apply-card or visit any "KTC TOUCH" branches nationwide.
Remark: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay the full amount as scheduled to avoid incurring an annual interest rate of 16%.