Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai (left) presents the first Taiwan Pass to Tan Chong Lim from Singapore, this year’s 6 millionth visitor to Taiwan, Dec. 15 at Taoyuan International Airport. (Courtesy of Tourism Administration)
 

Taiwan welcomed its 6 millionth visitor this year Dec. 15 at Taoyuan International Airport with two weeks to spare on the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration’s goal for 2023.

The lucky arrival was Tan Chong Lim from Singapore, who has been to Taiwan three times before. On this trip, he intends to make his first visit to the majestic Alishan National Scenic Area in the southern county of Chiayi and Taroko National Park in the eastern country of Hualien during his eight-day stay.

During a special ceremony at the airport, the Singaporean tourist received four air tickets from Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan as incentive to return yet again, as well as the first Taiwan Pass, stamps and hotel vouchers from MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai, along with other gifts worth NT$100,000 (US$3,193) from the TA.

Scheduled to launch Jan. 1, 2024, the Taiwan Pass is a convenient digital pass issued by the TA to offer visitors flexible transportation ways within seven days. They can enjoy an unlimited 3-day pass for Taiwan High-Speed Rail, choose a MRT pass among cities of Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung, and select a Taiwan Tourist Shuttle pass for the round trip to Qingjing Farm, Sun Moon Lake, Alisan Alishan National Scenic Area and Kenting National Park.

According to Cheng, this year has been critical in promoting tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministries and agencies were asked to propose relevant initiatives, which he said yielded such possibilities as an undertaking aimed at boosting trips following meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions put forward by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ International Trade Administration.

The government will continue to work with businesses to enhance service quality and raise the return rate of international tourists to accelerate the recovery of Taiwan’s tourism industry, Cheng added.

Following the ceremony, the TA hosted a lucky draw of 200 Taiwan Passes for inbound tourists. More activities will be held in the country’s international airports to give away a total of 1,000 passes, the TA said. (YCH-E)