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Lu sells Penghu as tourist hot spot

Vice President Annette Lu, left, entertainer Phoebe Huang, center, along with other guests, yesterday promote the upcoming ``2002 Only in P.H. Islands'' festival at a press conference in Taipei to boost the tourism industry in Penghu. The three-month-long event begins today. PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) yesterday endorsed Penghu and its "2002 Only in P.H. Islands" festival at a press conference at the New York, New York department store in Taipei.

Lu said she was more than happy to endorse Penghu because the archipelago is a nice place worth being promoted.

"We have white sandy beaches, fresh seafood, beautiful sunshine, great views and friendly people there. Also, I think it's an ideal place for urban people to relax during a vacation," Lu said. "Let me remind you once again that China Airlines' crash has nothing to do with this archipelago, needless to say its residents. But Penghu people are now suffering from a great loss in their local tourism industry. It's not fair."

China Airlines flight CI611 bound for Hong Kong crashed near the archipelago with 225 on board on May 25.

Lu is promoting the islands' tourism industry by visiting the archipelago today. She will stay in Penghu County between 9am and 8pm.

"It's going to be an all-day get-away trip and I'm looking forward to enjoying the beautiful scenery and wonderful food there," she said yesterday at the press conference.

The "2002 Only in P.H. Islands" festival is sponsored by the Penghu County Government and China Airlines. It begins today and will last until the end of October.

Activities include water games, religious ceremonies, jazz shows, concerts and a seafood festival.

According to a press release, packages for a one-day trip to a three-day trip were available at prices ranging between NT$999 and NT$5,500.

"We can promise you an unforgettable vacation in Penghu," said Lai Feng-wei (賴峰偉), commissioner of Penghu County.

According to Lai, the average amount of daily visitors to Penghu County for this month has been 1,172. But during the same time last year, the average was 6,000.

"Honestly, our local tourism industry lost a lot of business this year and the main reason was the crash," he said.

"Lots of people cancelled their vacations to Penghu after the incident. But Penghu's natural beautiful scenery and wonderful seafood are still waiting for more tourists to explore."

In addition to the vice pres-ident's endorsement, in response to the invitation of independent Penghu lawmaker Lin Pin-kun (林炳坤), Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien (余政憲) also visited Penghu to promote tourism yesterday. He also visited the Penghu County Senior Citizens' Home to show his concern for the elderly. Yu will return to Taipei this afternoon.
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