To boost tourism and promote Kinmen as a vacation destination for wedding couples, the offshore county’s government has launched a package program to gain a share of the pre-nuptial photoshoot market.
The program is also aimed at changing the archipelago’s perception as a frontline location packed with military installations, the county government said.
The county government said the first 30 couples who signed up for the program will get subsidies for a two-day, one-night hotel stay and return flights for themselves, as well as two accompanying photographers.
Kaohsiung couple Chen Chia-hsiang (陳嘉祥) and his girlfriend, Yang Tsai-ling (楊采陵), who plan to get married next year, were the first to sign up to get a taste of what Kinmen has to offer.
Arriving on the island on Wednesday, they enjoyed sunny weather with blue skies as they toured local attractions.
Accompanied by a photography team, they visited the lion-like figures called fungshihyeh (風獅爺) in Chiunglin (瓊林) for a photo shoot on Thursday, and followed the local custom of touching the private parts of a lion sculpture to ensure success in bearing a first-born son.
Photographers also endorsed the program offered by the county government, saying it was worth the effort as the island has military installations, natural scenery and elements not found on Taiwan proper.
According to the county government’s Bureau of Tourism, so far 40 couples have signed up and there are addtional subsidies for the next 60.
The program is not limited to couples getting married and is open to any pair wearing wedding apparel who want to have a photo shoot on Kinmen, the bureau said.
People who are interested can call 082-324-174 for more information.
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