The Penghu County Government and the local tourism industry are working to put on a “Season of Love” program that offers discounted lodging and souvenirs to couples who want to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the islands before the summer rush.
“Most people come to Penghu in the summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches, sun and water activities, but Penghu has more to offer,” Penghu County Homestay Association chairman Hsu Chin-chung (許進忠) told the Taipei Times by telephone. “We have world-class volcanic landscapes, a rich ecosystem and historic sites — including the oldest Mazu temple in the country and unique traditional Penghu-style houses.”
“While the summer is the time to enjoy water sports in Penghu, spring is the perfect time to enjoy the historic and natural side of the county,” he said.
PHOTO: LIU YU-CHING, TAIPEI TIMES
To offer another incentive for people to travel to Penghu during the Lunar New Year holidays and in the spring, the Penghu County Tourism Bureau and the tourism industry have come up with a “Season of Love” program that will allow visitors to bid for rooms in any of the 39 homestays participating in the program, starting as low as NT$1 per night from Feb. 1 to April 30.
“Couples who stay in one of the rooms will get a pair of cat dolls carved from Penghu’s volcanic basalt rock,” Hsu said. “Couples who take pictures at designated spots and post the pictures on their blogs or post articles about their trip to Penghu can win a ‘Season of Love’ souvenir T-shirt.”
He reminded those who want to visit Penghu that this year’s Penghu Fireworks Festival is scheduled for April 24, within the “Season of Love” period.
Homestay owner Tsai Mei-man (蔡美滿) said homestays could also provide personalized arrangements for guests during the period if they make the request in advance.
“For example, we can make some arrangements if you want to propose to your girlfriend. I can also hand-make cakes for your afternoon teatime in my garden,” Tsai said. “Each homestay will provide different arrangements free of charge to surprise you.”
For details, visit www.penghu-hotel.com.
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