bookyear Taipei

Taipei City’s unique basin landscape, consisting of cyan

mountains and green waterways, public mass transit, fine

goods, cultural arts, hot springs, shopping centers, and other

tourist attractions, is a mixture of traditional and modern

settings that forms Taipei City’s heterogeneous scenic

views. Yes, the year 2005 was a vibrant year for Taipei

City, with over 27 million visitors descending on the tourist

attractions across the city, achieving yet another historical

high.

Chapter 14

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The Taipei City Government steadfastly encourages the development of diversified industries and cultural exchanges so that visitors are able to experience the friendliness of this city. Regardless of the time of year when visitors arrive here, exciting surprises and experiences of a lifetime will be awaiting them anytime, anywhere.

Park, Longshan Temple, Guandu Nature Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Lin Yu-tang House, Grass Mountain Chateau, Taipei Story House, Discovery Center of Taipei, Ketagalan Culture Center, Puppetry Art Center of Taipei, Taipei 101 Observatory, and the Miramar Ferris Wheel.

2. Continuous Traffic Growth of the “River Cruises”The Taipei City “River Cruises” was established on Feb. 7th, 2004 to provide scenic boat rides along

the Danshui River (Dadaocheng to Guandu Wharf) and the Keelung River. The fleet serving these two routes consists of two 54-seat small boats and two 10-seat speedboats. Subsequently, in July 2004, another route was established between Guandu and Danshui Fishermen’s Wharf. Initially, the average number of monthly passengers was close to 2,500. As the municipal government continued to invest in enhancing the view along the riverbanks and tourist operators developed more exciting tour packages, increased market demand led to the establishment of two more routes, Guandu to Bali Wharf and Guandu to Danshui

At the end of 2005, the innovative services and marketing strategies that employees at the various departments worked hard to establish attracted 27 million visitors. More than one million people visited the Miramar Ferris Wheel, which officially opened at the end of 2004. Almost one million people visited the Taipei 101 Observatory during the same year. These two new attractions have contributed significantly to the tourist industry of Taipei City.

1. Tourist Numbers Approach New Heights

The 2005 tourist hotspots recommended by the Taipei City Government included the following 33 attractions: the Nation Palace Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, National Museum of History, National Taiwan Science Education Center, National Taiwan Arts Educational Center, Taipei Zoo, Taipei Children’s Recreation Center, Taipei Astronomical Museum, Taipei Children’s Museum of Transportation and Communication, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Chiang Kai-shek Shilin Residence, Chinese Culture & Movie Center, Taipei Sea World, Topview Taipei Observatory, Lin An-tai Historical Home, Sung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, Yangming Park, Taipei 228 Memorial Museum, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei Water

The “Star of Taipei No. 16”, with a capacity of eighty, sets sail on its maiden voyage on the Keelung Route of the River Cruises.

Rich Tourist Resources

Visitors to the River Cruises can start from the Dadaocheng, Dajia, or Guandu Wharf in Taipei City and arrive at Danshui Old Street, Bali, or Danshui Fishermen’s Wharf in Taipei County. In between, bicycle routes can be utilized to visit Dihua Street, Dadaocheng Wharf, Chongyang Bridge, Guandu Great Bridge, Guandu Temple, Guandu Natural Park, Dajia Xiwang Fountain, Songshan Airport, Taipei 101, National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, The Grand Hotel, Golden Shore, Bali Left Shore Park, Shisanhang Museum of Archaeology, Danshui Fishermen’s Wharf, Fort San Domingo, Danshui Old Street, the Mangrove Natural Preservation Area, and many other attractions. Whether you devise your own route or follow those suggested by operators on the River Cruises, you are sure to have a satisfying experience full of surprises.

Touring the River Cruises

Christmas party on the “Star of Taipei No. 16”. (Dec. 25th, 2005)

The bicycling network that spans across Taipei County and Taipei City is 250 km in length, forming the longest and most complete recreational bicycling network in Taiwan. The Guandu Bridge has now connected the bicycling networks in Taipei County and Taipei City. Negotiations between the Taipei County and Taipei City Government have selected Huazhong Bridge, Yongfu Bridge, Fuhe Bridge, and the Taipei Bridge to link the bicycling networks in Taipei County and Taipei city, and are slated for completion by 2006.

Bicycling Network

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4. Planned Development of the Unique Hot Spring IndustryTaipei City boasts many famous hot springs within its boundaries. They are mainly located in the

Yangming Mountain, Xingyi Road, and Xinbeitou areas, which are currently popular spots among tourists. Hot springs in Xinbeitou are mainly located in hot spring hotels or bathhouses, with most of them located along Beitou Zhongshan Road and Guangming Road, as well as around Beitou Park and Geothermal Valley. Currently, there are about 44 operations in this area. The source of spring water in this area is the Dahuangzui Hot Spring, located in the Yangmingshan National Park Liuhuang Valley Special Scenic Area. It consists of sulfate and has a ph value of 3 to 4, is of a white-yellowish semi-transparent color, and sulfurous smell, with temperatures between 50~90℃. Water licenses are granted by the Taipei Water Department. Terrestrial heat wells were dug and spring water is poured in to heat it up. Beitou’s hot springs have been popular since the Japanese Colonial Era. The Japanese divided the spring water here into three types, Shuangnai Tang (Blue Sulphur), Xingnai Tang (White Sulphur), Tienai Tang (Iron Sulphur), each with its own special properties and beneficial effects.

Hot springs on Xingyi Road originate from springs located between Tianmu Park and Dunxu Senior Vocational School. Going up the mountain on Xingyi Road, one can see on the east a twisting sulfuric stream, an active volcanic area where hot springs spurt from the ground, and the powdery soil is either yellowish or white. Terrestrial heat is abundant, wisps of white fog cover the area around the stream with hot air rising from the ground, creating a unique natural landscape.

Old Street Wharf, in September 2005 with the assistance of the Taipei County Government and the Keelung Harbor Administration. With 5 routes, the fleet was also increased to include 1 large boat (120 passengers), 5 medium-sized boats (from 50 to 80 passengers), and 3 small boats (from 14 to 22 passengers). At the end of 2005, the number of monthly passengers grew to 7000 people. The Guangfu holiday fireworks display sponsored by the Taipei City Government on the banks of Danshui River Dadaocheng Wharf not only created business opportunities for the travel industry, but also resulted in a historical daily high of 1300 passengers for the fleet. The fifth partner of the Taipei City River Cruises initiative, Da He Incorporated, will introduce a 250-seat luxury passenger ferry weighing 488 tons sometime during September 2006 to the fleet. Exquisite meals, musical performances, meetings, year-end dinners, birthday parties, campus social events, educational field trips, bridal veil photos, banquets, and many other events can be held on the ferry, making the Danshui River an attractive place for tourism.

3. Establishing Continuous Riverside Biking Networks and Services The total length of the bicycle routes in Taipei is over 100 km. During the “River Side Bicycling

Celebration & Festival” held on Apr. 23rd, 2005, thousands of people rode their bicycles from Jingmei Old Bridge, Yongfu Bridge, Huazhong Bridge, Shezi Island, and Guandu Wharf to Dadaocheng Wharf.

Although the total length of routes has reached 100 km, some of these routes remain disconnected due to the physical terrain. The goal for 2005 was to connect the various bicycle routes. According to the plan, by the end of 2005, the total length of the riverside bicycle route would reach 102.4 km. New construction

of bicycle routes include the Zhoumei Expressway Bicycle Lane, Jingmei Stream (Jingmei Stream Bridge to Jingmei Old Bridge), bicycle routes alongside the city dikes, bicycle lanes built on three bridges crossing the Keelung River, bicycle lanes built along dikes in Guandu (Zhonggang River Floodgates to Fude Temple), the rebuilding of the Shuangxi bicycle route, the Shuangxi bicycle route bridge, and the rebuilding of the Guizi Keng bicycle route. Hardware and software road signs will be added, such as informational signs, distance signs, direction signs, and LOGO ground surface. In addition, two new bicycle rental stores in Guandu and Dadaocheng will also open for business (prior to 2004, five bicycle rental stores were in operation, namely, those in Dajia, Guanshan, Meiti, Huazhong, and Muzha). Free pamphlets in Chinese and English versions will be printed to promote bicycling in Greater Taipei.

Riding against the wind.

2005 Blossoms and Springs: Taipei City Government representative, Lin Zhi-ying, gives the opening speech.New bicycle routes withinformational signs.

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Taipei’s unique basin landscape with its green mountains and clear waters makes for a very attractive tourist environment. Taipei City combines a prosperous urban setting with a beautiful natural environment. With its four distinctive seasonal themes, the flowering season, the fine food season, the shopping season, and the hot spring season, tourists can experience a different Taipei throughout the year.

1.Season of FlowersIn Taipei, every season and every month brings its pleasant surprises. One such surprise is the Taipei

Flower Show (from December to the following January, residents make use of their creative talents by taking part in contests to beautify the environment they live in; universities and colleges redecorate their campuses; neighborhoods hold flowers shows; and music concerts are held). Spring in Taipei means the remarkable bustling of the Yangming Mountain Flower Season (in February and March, natural beauty abounds in each theme park), the Calla Lily Show at Zhuzihu (in March and April, featuring Sea Tuber Design and Zhuzihu Flower show, flower fairy contest, photography contest, environmental tours at Zhuzihu, open house at Calla Lily farms). This is a season for appreciating the flowers within Taipei City’s rich natural environment.

2.Taipei Season for ChefsThis event is held from Aug. 1st to 31st, with

new themes featured each week. The themes are Shanghai Cuisine, Steak Dinners, Thai Cuisine, and Seafood. Each of the four themes are linked with specific holidays, such as Father’s Day and Chinese Valentines Day, creating unforgettable experiences for all involved. Aside from the fine cuisine, discounts are an added feature. The Second Annual Half Price Discount Plan provides “passports” for tourists issued by event organizers, who receive discounts at selected hotels and restaurants, enabling them to savor dishes made by renowned chefs at reasonable prices. The event promotes public participation and attracts international tourists to Taiwan.

Besides spotlighting international publicity on the Taipei Season for Chefs, travel packages featuring this festival are popular in Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan. Promoting Taiwanese cuisine via the international media has attracted an increasing number of foreign tourists to come to Taipei and have a taste. About 4.1 million people came to experience Taipei’s fine cuisine for an entire month.

This area mainly consists of restaurants offering hot spring services. Tourists can enjoy dining in an outdoor setting in the mountains watching the mist coming up from the ground. Currently, there are about 20 such restaurants, mostly clustered along Beitou’s Xingyi Road from alleys 155 to 204. The source of water for Liu Huang Valley and Longfeng Spring on Xingyi Road originates from Yangmingsan National Park Special Scenic Area that forms the Shuangchong Xi Hot Spring Area. Water from the hot springs contains sulfate acid, with a ph value between 2 to 3. It is a translucent gray-yellowish color and has a sulfate smell. The water temperature is about 50~90℃. The hot spring water there is diverted from hot springs in Suangchong Xi and Ding Beitou. In order to assist the legal operations of hot spring-related businesses in this area, plans have been drawn up to establish a hot spring special district to effectively manage and develop the hot spring industry in the area.

The Yangming Mountain hot springs are scattered across special scenic areas in the Yangmingsan National Park (such as Ding Beitou, Xiaoyoukeng, and Dingbi Bridge) as well as general areas (such as Hu Mountain and Zhongshan House), recreational areas (such as Yangming Mountain, Xiaoying Pond, and Lengshuikeng). There are currently 29 such facilities including general bathhouses and restaurants with bathhouses. Xiaoying Pond, Yangming Mountain, Zhuzihu, Xiaoyoukeng, Dayoukeng, Zhongshan Building, and Qigu are all sulfate acidic springs, with ph values between 2 to 3 and water temperatures in the range of 50~90℃. Dingbeitou, Dingbi Bridge, Hu Mountain, and Lengshuikeng are carbonated springs, with ph values between 6 and 7, and water temperatures between 45~60℃. They are all either natural hot springs or artificial hot springs. Located on the upper Huang Stream and on the west side of Shamao Mountain, this area has been utilized for over 200 years. Its most famous attraction is a crude bathhouse divided into 6 rooms built by local residents. The Longfeng Hot Spring is also known as Luohanku Hot Spring. The source of the spring is Huang Stream. A free public bathhouse established by the city government uses water from this hot spring. Fenghuan Hot Spring, also known as Mazuku Spring, is a carbonated neutral spring, known also as Tie Spring (Iron Spring). During the Japanese Colonial era, this was also known as “Iron Soup”. In addition to the hot springs, this area also consists of Yangming Park, Zhuzihu, Linyutang Old Resident, and Yangming Library, and many other tourist attractions.

To protect the natural spring resources and ensure their sustainable use for the development of Taipei City’s hot spring tourist industry, the Department of Transportation commissioned a report entitled the “Taipei City Hot Spring Operation Management and Strategic Plan.” Its goal is to determine future planning and management of hot springs in Taipei City pending approval by the central government. Also, the Department of Economic Development has been conducting studies in recent years on the current status of the hot springs, such as their location and the network of pipes that carry hot spring water to its destination. In the future, environmental planning for the hot springs will be conducted with the involvement of local residents and experts to balance business and environmental concerns. In the future, the legal bodies will develop a licensing program regulating hot spring operations to ensure their quality and safety.

Yangming Mountain Flower Season Scenery.

Zhuzihu

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3. A Season of Shops & SunshineThe 2005 Taipei Visa Metro Shopping Event

promotes an image of Taipei as the ultimate shopping center where you can buy any type of merchandise under the sun. The event starts on Aug. 1st and continues for four weeks with shoppers swept away by bargains. Armed with a guide published by Vogue, shoppers can easily find for themselves the best places to shop at the best prices for an unforgettable shopping experience. Building on 2004, this year’s event was extended into September with 24 companies at 144 locations part icipat ing. The act ive

involvement of all major department stores, shopping centers, and consumer electronics department stores attracted more than 1 million people to this event.

4. Season of Hot Springs Cold winter days are the best times to dip into hot springs. The Beitou and Yangming Mountain

areas in Taipei have unique hot spring resources and diverse natural environments. The theme for 2005 was “A Century of Hot Springs and Elegant Sulfur Crystals” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Beitou Rock by a Japanese explorer named Mr. Yohachiro Okamoto. The 2005 Taipei Hot Spring event kicked off on Oct. 28th and continued for one month. Approximately 247,200 people attended the event. A wide array of folk presentations and cultural events attracted all kinds of tourists, who came away satisfied and impressed with the diverse culture in Taipei.

To increase the quality of the local tourism environment, the Taipei City Government is enhancing both tourism amenities and services. This includes the upgrading of the hot spring environment and the implementation of a hospitality employee-training program to help tourists in Taipei City feel at home.

1. Hot Spring Unified Sign System and Water Quality CertificationHot Springs in Taipei City have traditionally advertised their facilities through a wide assortment of

privately designed display signs, that have created traffic hazards and have given a widespread impression of chaos and bewilderment. In Response to the central government’s call for a “Tourist Multiplication Plan” and the improvement of the environment surrounding hot springs in tourist areas, in 2005 the Department of Transportation commissioned the “Taipei City Hot Spring Unified Sign Design Plan” that replaced all the private signs in Xinbeitou, Xingyi Road, and Yangming Mountain with a newly designed Unified Hot Spring Informational Sign System. The new signs provide tourists with clearly presented information in an attractive format. In addition, to ensure the cleanliness of the hot springs and the safety of tourist, the Taipei City government formed a joint task force comprised of the Departments of Environmental Protection and Public Health, and the Yangmingsan National Park Administration to inspect the water quality of the hot spring facilities of Xingyi Road, Beitou, and Yangming Mountain. Results of inspections are immediately made available to the public to allow them to make informed choices of hot spring facilities.

Current status of the Taipei Train Station Visitor Information Center.

Creating a Tourist Friendly Environment

Taipei City has unlimited potential to sponsor events in the fields of culture and the fine arts. Each month features a distinctive traditional event that will create lasting memories for all who come to enjoy them, including the following:

• January: The Promenade and Bazaar of the New Year Festival• February: Taipei Lantern Festival• March: Calla Lily Flower Show• April: Baosheng Cultural Festival• May: Traditional Arts Festival• June: Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship• July: Children’s Arts Festival• August: Chinese Food Festival• September: Confucius Ceremony• October: Hot Spring Festival• November: Taipei International Bird Watching Fair• December: New Year’s Party

Energized Taipei with Events Every Month

Taipei Season of Chefs is inaugurated by the Director of Tourism Committee and the President of the Taipei City Tourism and Hotel Association.

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2. Visitor Information CentersTaipei Visitor Information Centers were established in 2005 at the following six locations: Taipei Train

Station, Songshan Airport, East Metro Mall, MRT Ximen Station, MRT Jiantan Station, and MRT Beitou Station. By July 2006, a seventh service center will open at the Miramar Amusement Park. The information centers provide high-quality services create a positive image. The center’s training system, internal evaluation system, marketing network, information management, and physical facilities have all undergone restructuring. More than 150 thousand people utilized its services in 2005. In the future, the Taipei Visitor Information Center will focus on expanding its marketing network and continuing to improve its service quality. Expansion of the center’s marketing network based on a sound Visitor Information Center will increase the center’s visibility as well as increase overall tourism. To further enhance tourist services, plans are in place to establish tourist information databases, conduct service satisfaction surveys, cultivate the professionalism of the service center workforce, and generate timely tourist center training material.

3. Employee Training Programs in the Hospitality Sector and for Bilingual Evaluation

To improve the professionalism of employees in the hospitality sector, improve the overall competency of Taipei City Hotels in accommodating international tourists, and assist hotel operators to utilize tourism resources to the fullest extent possible, the Department of Transportation and the Taipei City Government organized the “Taipei City Training Program for Employees in the Hospitality Industry” and “Taipei City Bilingual Evaluation”. The former program took place on Sep. 19th and 20th, with a total attendance of 169. Lin Li-yu, Deputy Chief of the Department of Transportation, and Xu Yin-shu, Chief Secretary of Taipei City Tourism and Hotel Association, were on hand to interact and exchange views with employees in the hospitality industry. Activities were based on the theme of “Trends and Services of Hotel Facilities,” with hotels operating on different philosophies selected to share their experience and to promote positive competition. To encourage the improvement of bilingual services in hotels, employees are encouraged to learn foreign languages. The Department of Transportation evaluated the English and Japanese performance of hotel operations. Those who achieved the highest scores and presented with the Good Tourism Business Award were the following: Taipei Business Suites (Qingcheng and Daan), Youmei Hotel, Youxing Hotel, Taipei International Hotel, Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel, Youchun Great Hotel, and Dongwu Great Hotel. Awards for the 2005 Excellence in English Service were: Lihu Hotel, Shanghao Great Hotel, Huangdu Hotel, Haocheng Great Hotel, and Xiancheng Great Hotel. The 2005 award for Excellence in Japanese Service was Lufeng Great Hotel.

4. Awards for Employees of the Hospitality IndustryAs recommended by the Hotel Association, the Taipei City Government selected the following as

recipients of the Good Hospitality Industry Employee Award: Peng Jian-ji (Dongwu Great Hotel), Zhou Shui-mei (Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel), Lin Ju-fang (Ouhua Hotel), Song Long-zhu (Ouhua Hotel), Wu Ming-wen (Ouhua Hotel). Winners were sent to compete at the national level. Shuimei Hot Spring Hotel was granted the 2005 Taipei Good Hospitality Industry Award, and Peng Jian-ji (Dongwu Great Hotel) was given the 2005 Taipei Good Hospitality Industry Employee Award.

5. Establishment of Taipei Tourism Guidance BoardsIn order to foster Taipei’s development as an international city and to integrate available tourism

resources to facilitate both foreigners and citizens in using the mass transit system for tourism purposes, the Department of Transportation is establishing Taipei Tourism Guidance Boards to provide tourist information create a more tourist-friendly environment.

The Taipei Tourism Guidance Boards are to be displayed in the Xinyi Planning District and the Ximenting Area. A total of 25 informational maps will be created. Within the Xinyi Planning District, they will be located at the Taipei City Government, Taipei World Trade Center, International Conference Center, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Grand Hyatt Taipei, 101 Financial Tower, Warner Village Cinemas, and Tongling Business District. Locations at Ximenting include Zhongshan Hall, Fuxing Elementary School, Ximenting Taipei Rapid Transit Station, Red House Theater, and Cinema Park. In 2006, display of the maps will be extended to the Boai Special District, which includes the Office of the President, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, 228 Peace Memorial Park, Zhongshan Hall, Taipei Beimen Post Office, and the Chinese Handicraft Mart of the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center.

The aim of the Taipei Tourism Guidance Boards is to provide both foreign and domestic tourists with information on the major tourist sites and their surrounding areas. Contents include lists of subjects, site maps, local city maps, attractions, transportation stops, roads, government facilities, diagrams and scale, current locations, and names of government bodies and officials. A distinctive logo “Taiwan Touches Your Heart”, and a 24-hour toll-free hotline are also featured.

Creating a tourist-friendlly environment.

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Marketing activities conducted in 2005 helped Taipei become a destination for international travelers.

1. Taipei Travel WebsiteIn recent years, obtaining information through the Internet has become ever more popular. Therefore,

at the end of 2004, the Taipei City Government established the Taipei Travel Website (http://www.taipeitravel.net). This website provides a compilation of lodging accommodations available to tourists, as well as a conference index, a virtual tour guide and other features introducing Taipei’s attractions. In 2005, a PDA version was added to provide travel advice, tour packages and a wide range of promotions. It promoted the joint marketing campaigns and featured events of “Blooms and Springs”, “Poetry Festival”, “Beef Noodle Festival”, “Flower Show” and the “New Year Party”. In 2005, more than 350,000 visitors used the website. In the near future, a Korean version of the website will be made available to accommodate the increasing number of Korean tourists coming to Taipei. By integrating the tourism resources in northern Taiwan, the site will become the ultimate source of travel information for northern Taiwan.

2. Taichung & Kaohsiung Travel ShowsThe Department of Transportation integrated

Taipei City’s diverse tourist resources and marketed it under the theme of “Modern Taipei” at the Taichung International Tourism Show held from Apr. 7th to 10th, 2005. It was organized by the Taichung World Trade Center for increasing the number of tourists to Taipei. The department also promoted Taipei’s diverse tourist attractions at the Kaohsiung International Tourism Show held from May 12th to 15th, 2005, at the Kaohsiung Business Exhibition Center. In marshaling the forces of the tourism industry businesses in both Taipei City and Taipei County, the department successfully promoted Taipei City with the theme “Taipei is Insanely Fun” at the 2005 Taipei International Travel Show. More than 120,000 people attended the travel show held from Nov. 17th to 20th, 2005. The travel package offered by Mr. Chiang Kai-shek proved the most popular among the show’s visitors.

3. Hong Kong Travel ShowAccording to travel surveys conducted in recent

years, Taipei, Taiwan’s leading city, has become

one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists originating from Hong Kong. Recent development in tourism, such as the completion of Taipei 101 and the opening of the Miramar Amusement Park, has made Taipei City a more attractive place to visit and have fun. The theme “Fun in Taipei City” was marketed to attendees of the 2005 Hong Kong International Travel Show from June 9th to 12th, 2005.

4. Japan International Travel ExhibitThe Taipei City Government sent a trade delegation to the World Travel Exhibition in Tokyo from Sep.

22nd to 24th in 2005. The delegation visited various organizations in Japan and held a press conference to increase the number of industry-media exchanges.

5. Korea Travel ShowAs the number of flights between Taiwan and Korea increase, as the Korean Gross National Income

continues to rise, so the number of Korean visitors to Taiwan has increased proportionately. The Bureau of Tourism produced excellent results from street shows and dinner information sessions held in Seoul to promote tourism. The Taipei City Government has designated Korea as a target market for tourism.

6. Kun Ming Travel ShowNow that mainland China is allowing its citizens to visit Taiwan and the Taiwanese government is

encouraging to the citizens of Mainland China to visit Taiwan, together with the easing of restrictions on type 2 and 3 mainland China tourists, the Taipei City Government is looking for ways to be involved in mainland China’s international tourism activities in raising the number of exchanges.

In order to the nature and availability of business opportunities, representatives of the Taipei City Government joined the Taiwan Tourism Association delegation at the Kun Ming Travel Show.

7. International Conferences and Exhibitions In te rna t iona l confe rences and

exhibitions are important indicators of the level of internationalization of a given city. All major cities are aggressive competitors for this market. At the end of 2004, the Commerce Industrial Services Division of the Ministry of Economic Affairs began p r o m o t i n g i t s “ C o n f e r e n c e a n d Exhibition Marketing Plan” resulting in a significant increase in the number of international conferences held in Taipei. In 2005, 697 conferences, including 22 international conferences and 675 domestic conferences, with an average attendance of 420 people, were held

Innovative and Diverse City Marketing

May 2005: Taipei City Government at the 18th Annual Korea Travel Show.April 2005: Department of Transportation of Taipei City Government at the Taichung Travel Show.

A guide to the Taipei Travel Network.

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at the Taipei International Conference Center, a marked increase from the previous year. Meeting room utilization rates in recent years have also exceeded 85% of capacity, reaching the goals of attracting more foreign business travelers and creating more business opportunities.

8.The “Welcome To Asia Campaign”The “Welcome to Asia Campaign” was conceived in Tokyo for the purpose of combining the resources

of major Asian cities to collectively market the tourism facilities of each city. In 2005, Taipei was host to the 4th Asia Tourism Promotion Annual Conference held from Nov. 17th to 20th at the Taipei International Conference Center. A total of thirty attendees from cities such as Tokyo, Hanoi, Jakarta and New Delhi took part in the conference. Exhibits with the “Welcome to Asia” theme were established for the travel show. Members attending the conference were invited to tour the National Palace Museum, Dintaifung, Taipei Discovery Museum, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, and Taipei House and were favorably impressed with these sites. The visit helps to reinforce exchanges between Taipei City and other member cities and forge strong bonds of friendship while providing the opportunity to display the many charms of Taipei City.

We hope to unite tourism related industries, and inspire them to work together to create a tourist haven, featuring the following: Fashion Taipei, Fine Food Taipei, Never Sleep Taipei, Shopping Taipei and International Taipei. Such cooperation will enable this city to offer a unique experience for tourists, and creating a positive image of Taipei that will remain with them forever. We endeavor to fuse the modern elements with the traditional ones in making the Taipei of the 21st Century a new tourist haven in East Asia.

Group Photo of National Delegations at the 4th annual “Welcome to Asia” Conference hosted by the Taipei City Government.