Putting Taiwan's tourism back on the world map

To give the SARS-blighted local tourism industry a boost, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) has organized a day-long celebration of Taiwan's well-known and lesser-known tourist destinations.

The ministry is hoping for a sizeable turnout tomorrow afternoon at the exhibition -- called Destination Taiwan (心手相連 台灣起飛) -- and will be offering many kinds of incentives and a whole load of giveaways

Representatives from all of the nation's 23 counties, travel agents, tourist associations, some of the nation's popular hotel chains as well as large numbers of cable TV stations will be present at the event.

From 10am through 5pm, the plaza in front of Taipei City Hall will be awash with food and beverage stalls selling treats and eats from across the nation as well as upwards of 200 booths selling and promoting popular tourist destinations nationwide.

It's not, however, solely the tourist industry that will be hoping to attract the crowds with free offers.

Several of the nation's larger museums and movie theaters/complexes will also be present and dishing out coupons offering up to 40-percent reductions on entrance costs.

Along with the large number of coupons and other freebies to be given away at the booths run by individuals, companies, provincial governments and travel agencies, every hour on the hour, attendees will have the opportunity to win one of 40 larger Taiwan tourism-related prizes.

Prizes include airplane tickets, coupons entitling bearers to free accommodation at selected four and five-star hotels, coupons giving free admittance to scenic spots around the island, as well as a whole heap of numerous lesser, yet equally tantalizing prizes.

Destination Taiwan (心手相連 台灣起飛) will take place tomorrow from between 10am and 5pm in the plaza in front of Taipei City Hall (台北市政府前廣場).