Some 400 organizations and companies from more than 50 countries and regions around the world will participate in the 2003 Taipei International Travel Fair slated to run between Nov. 15 and Nov. 18, fair organizers said yesterday.
The exhibition is considered to be one of the most important travel fairs in Asia. There will be a total of 538 booths, with 1,750 representatives and 260 registered buyers from 17 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Czech Republic, Poland and Latvia, which will participate in the exhibition for the first time, will provide information on their history, cultural traditions and scenic spots.
Booths at the exhibition will be divided into the Taiwan region, the Asia-Pacific region, the Europe-America-Middle East and African region, and a youth and student travel section.
Japan is the largest participating country with 54 booths, organizers said, adding that it has also arranged three Japanese performing groups to showcase the cultures and special features of different cities and counties at the fair.
Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hawaii, Singapore, Korea, New Zealand, Palau and Guam will also promote their wares, hoping to become highlights of the travel fair.
At the stalls for the Europe-America-Middle East and Africa region, the newly established Africa-Taiwan Economic Forum will feature the customs and practices of 10 African countries that enjoy diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
In the Taiwan section of the exhibition, 22 central and local government agencies will vie for the attention of domestic and foreign tourists in keeping with the government's tourism expansion plan.
The exhibition is organized by the Taiwan Visitors Association. A similar fair held last year at the Taipei World Trade Center attracted 85,700 visitors.
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