City Travel Briefing: Taipei, Taiwan

Popular urban destination

Taipei remains the main destination for visitors, and is positioned as a shopping destination and a foodie hotspot, with its cheap street and casual cuisine.

Inbound arrivals

The largest source market, mainland China, registered a sharp fall in tour groups, while international tourists saw record growth. The government’s New Southbound Policy, focusing on emerging markets, registered positive results.

Increased competition within country

Taiwan has changed its brand strategy to overseas markets. The country now readily promotes new types of destinations and experiences such as rural scenery. Improved direct access to other cities is set to become challenge to Taipei in terms of city arrivals.

Domestic tourism

The Tourism Bureau has offered subsidies to help travel agencies affected by the decline in Chinese tour groups, and assist them to transform business models sustainably by boosting domestic travel and emerging source markets.

Short-term rentals

Airbnb returned to Taiwan after months of suspension due to security and taxation issues. Airbnb shifted to focus on licensed bed-and-breakfasts, and partner with local regulators on tourism promotions.

Smart city

“Tourism 2020 – A Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy for Taiwan”, promotes “smart tourism”, with numerous digital and mobile initiatives introduced, significantly enhancing Taipei as a smart city.

Improved infrastructure

The opening of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and airline check-in services at the station have significantly reduced travelling times.