Taiwan and South Korea at a tourism exchange conference in Mokpo, South Korea, yesterday jointly set a goal of having a two-way visitor count exceeding 3 million this year.
The conference, organized by the Taiwan Visitors’ Association (TVA) and the Seoul-based Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), was attended by 200 tourism officials and operators from both countries. Participants exchanged views on emerging business opportunities in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era and ways to make this year a breakthrough in the tourism between Taiwan and South Korea.
The so-called “Taiwan Vibe,” a term that conveys the cultural temperament, warmth, freshness and simplicity of Taiwan and its people, has generated discussions on social media in South Korea, TVA chairwoman Chien Yu-yen (簡余晏) said.
Photo: screen grab from the Taiwan Visitors’ Association Web site
As such, Taiwan has become a therapeutic haven for many South Korean visitors, and television stations have produced programs introducing scenic spots in Taiwan as well, she said.
The Seoul International Book Fair, which opened on Wednesday, has chosen Taiwan as the guest of honor this year, she said.
“We hope more people in South Korea would know more about Taiwan through reading,” she said.
Travelers between Taiwan and South Korea surpassed 2 million in 2018, up from 1 million in 2014, Chien said, adding that the goal this year is to boost the number of two-way visitors to 3 million.
“In the future, we hope the number would go further to top 5 million,” she said.
KATA chairman Lee Jin-seok said that Taiwan and South Korea have many things in common.
People in both countries love traveling abroad, with 60 percent of the population having passports, he said.
Last year, Taiwan had about 16 million outbound visitors, while 20 million South Koreans traveled overseas, Lee said, adding that both countries are key sources for visitors in Asia.
To reach the goal of having 3 million two-way visitors, both countries need to quickly respond to emerging trends in the global travel market, and use artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to create tours and innovative marketing strategies, Lee said.
Liang Kuang-chung (梁光中), head of the Taipei Mission in Korea, said that the bilateral trade between Taiwan and South Korea last year topped US$64.5 billion.
There are approximately 270 weekly flights between the countries, with the flights to Taiwan available from Incheon and Gimpo International Airports in Seoul, as well as airports in Cheongju, Daegu, Busan and Jeju cities, Liang said.
“We encourage South Korean visitors to take direct flights to central and southern Taiwan to sense the passion and charm of the people there,” he said.
Tourism Administration Deputy Director-General Huang Shih-fang (黃勢芳) said that the number of South Korean visitors to Taiwan has recovered to more than 80 percent of the pre-pandemic level.
“Our appeal to South Korean travelers aged 20 to 39 is that Taiwan is a romantic travel destination that is for young and those seeking nostalgic charm. For those aged 50 to 59, we are promoting cruise tours,” Huang said.
The conference is to be held in Pingtung County next year.
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