Innovation nation

Capital Taipei has got it all, but new offerings and destinations are set to woo the business travel crowd

- JULES QUARTLY

Taiwan had a good pandemic, if anyone did. A medicineled approach won plaudits for its technical achievements and balanced approach. At the same time, Taiwan took time out to reboot its fading tourism facilities, both physical and administrative. As a result, there has been considerable change since 2019, when Taipei was incubating a reputation for boutique tourism and as a novel meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination. There is cause for business optimism in 2024 too, with 3 per cent growth predicted on the back of stronger exports and tech sales.

In September 2022, the fairly sclerotic Tourism Bureau was given a makeover and turned into the rebooted Tourism Administration. This means more influence and a bigger budget to drive development of the convention, exhibition and tourism industries.

Business visitors will receive an "open arms" welcome, according to MEET Taiwan's latest promotional campaign, which offers deals on conferences, plus rail tickets and cash handouts of up to US$70 for individual business visitors who extend their stay. Generous individual and group "sightseeing" subsidy programmes are also afoot.

Partly in response to China banning its people from travelling to Taiwan in 2019 (a measure that was relaxed towards the end of 2023), the island has marketed itself instead to friendly neighbours such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Other incentives have increased visitor traffic, especially from North America and the Middle East. On the ground there has been a sharp increase in the quality and quantity of accommodation around transport and tourism hubs like Taipei Main Station, extending into entertainment districts like Ximending, with its Asian fashion, cosplay aesthetics, shopping, and cinemas.