President Lai Ching-te headed to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center on November 11 to participate in the grand opening of the 2024 Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF). On behalf of Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) Minister Gu Show-faye, HAC Deputy Minister Fan Tso-ming invited President Lai, Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an, Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Wu Sheng-yuan, Director-General of the Tourism Administration Chou Yung-hui, Taiwan Visitors Association Honorary Chair Yeh Chu-lan, and Taiwan Visitors Association Chair Chien Yu-yien to visit the Hakka Pavilion at ITF.
President Lai pointed out that Taiwan’s tourism grew in size 15% overall compared to last year. ITF is an iconic travel expo in Asia, a major platform for the travel sector and a publicly trusted travel brand. This year, ITF centered on the dual themes of “Sustainable” and “Digital”. A growing number of travelers attach importance to ecotourism in view of worsening climate change. Therefore, the tourism sector must be promoted with an emphasis on carbon reduction, environmental protection, and mutual prosperity. In addition, the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications launched the newest Taiwan tourism brand in May this year, TAIWAN-Waves of Wonder, to build a Taiwan brand with international appeal. The promotional video is played in large cities across the world to attract more global visitors to our beautiful island.
This year’s Hakka Pavilion was themed on “Hakka Village Trip—Slow, Comfy, Happy”, Deputy Minister Fan shared. A total of 27 travel businesses from Provincial Highway 3, the Liugdui region, and Provincial Highway 9; Hakka village communities; souvenir shops; and travel accommodations had physical booths at the event. Moreover, HAC built an online Hakka ITF joint marketing platform in collaboration with 16 travel agencies and travel platforms, offering 100 select Hakka village itineraries together. People shouldn’t miss on this opportunity and arrange a vacation in a Hakka village to experience Hakka culture and bring awesome souvenirs back home.
The Hakka Pavilion arranged a series of thrilling activities for the four days of the ITF, including a Hakka village story house, Hakka food sharing sessions, Hakka DIY workshops, Hakka music salon, business introductions, and fascinating talks, dishes, travel experiences, and music.
HAC’s Joint Platform of 100 Select Hakka Village Itineraries is directly linked to the itinerary sales page of travel businesses to make it easier than ever for anyone in Taiwan to plan a visit to a Hakka village and enjoy a “Slow, Comfy, Happy” journey.
