Taiwan will ease visa restrictions for people from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and India, according to a tourist promotion plan unveiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) yesterday.
The proposed visa service relaxation for applicants from the five Asian countries is part of the MOTC's efforts to realize its goal of raising the number of tourist arrivals to 3.2 million next year.
The MOTC discussed the plan at the Cabinet's weekly meeting.
According to the plan, next year will be designated as Taiwan's "Tourism Year," during which a large number of promotional activities, including arts festivals, trade fairs, cultural events, fashion shows and design contests will be held to attract foreign visitors.
The MOTC said the "Tourism Year" program is aimed at making Taiwan a new paradise for holidaymakers.
Commenting on the MOTC's work plan, Premier Yu Shyi-kun said at the Cabinet meeting that all relevant government agencies should cooperate with the MOTC in carrying out promotional projects and realize the goal of attracting at least 3.2 million tourist arrivals in the coming year.
"All departments should make concerted efforts to make Taiwan a tourist paradise where foreign nationals would like to visit and can really enjoy a nice trip," Yu said.
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