Chou Yung-hui (second left), director-general of the Tourism Administration, welcomes Apasiri Khumpibal (second right) from Thailand, the 5 millionth visitor to Taiwan this year, Nov. 2 at Taoyuan International Airport. (Courtesy of TA)
 

Taiwan welcomed its 5 millionth visitor of the year Nov. 2 at Taoyuan International Airport, reflecting the success of the government’s tourism promotion, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration.

The lucky arrival was Apasiri Khumpibal from Thailand, who was thrilled by the unexpected designation. Traveling to Taiwan for the third time, she plans to visit major tourist sites in the greater Taipei area and Rainbow Village in the central city of Taichung during her five-day stay.

During a special ceremony at the airport, the Thai visitor received free bus, train and subway tickets, hotel vouchers and a raft of other gifts from TA Director-General Chou Yung-hui. She also won a cash prize of NT$5,000 (US$155) from the Taiwan the Lucky Land raffle draw.

Chou said the TA’s goal is to welcome a total of 6 million visitors from target markets this year, or about 50 percent of 2019 arrivals. The figures have been very encouraging for the first 10 months of 2023, he said, adding that those from New Southbound Policy partner countries are especially impressive, with numbers from Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam already reaching 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

According to the TA, the country welcomed its 3 millionth visitor, who came from Japan, in July and 4 millionth, from South Korea, in September. (SFC-E)