Tourist Arrivals Projected to Top 9 Million, Announces Agency
Rise in Domestic Travel and International Visitor Arrivals in Taiwan
Taiwan has experienced a significant surge in domestic travel since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, with a notable increase in day trips. According to the Tourism Administration, domestic travel reached 222 million trips in 2023, surpassing both the 206 million trips in the same year and the 169 million trips in 2019[1][2]. This trend is largely attributed to lingering caution over international travel, increased interest in local tourism, and the convenience and affordability of day trips.
The growth in domestic travel is further supported by active government promotion of theme tours aimed at encouraging overnight stays to help hotels and accommodations recover from a dominance of day-trippers[1][2]. The travel administration has been pushing initiatives that appeal to local audiences, such as inviting railway enthusiasts to explore new routes, showcasing Taiwan’s varied destinations within reach for domestic travelers[1].
Regarding international travel, Taiwan has seen a steady recovery post-pandemic. As of last month, the nation welcomed 4.19 million international visitors, a 10 percent increase compared with the same period last year[1][2]. This growth is projected to continue, with inbound visitor arrivals projected to exceed 4.19 million in the first half of 2025, marking a 10% increase year-on-year. The tourism ministry remains optimistic about reaching 9 to 10 million international visitors in 2025 despite challenges[1][2].
To revive international travel, Taiwan is investing in targeted marketing, themed travel experiences, and infrastructure recovery to attract visitors back gradually. Key strategies include:
- Promotion of themed or niche tours to enhance the appeal beyond major urban centers and encourage longer stays[1].
- Partnerships and marketing efforts targeting key international markets and travel enthusiasts (e.g., railway enthusiasts from Taiwan and Japan)[1].
- Incremental easing of travel restrictions and improving airport and airline capacity, as inbound air passenger traffic in the first half of 2025 reached 95% of pre-pandemic levels[4].
- Ongoing monitoring and reaction to international travel trends, with a focus on balancing domestic and international tourism demands.
Lawmakers have also raised questions about whether the same benefits should be available to police and firefighters, citing their equally important sacrifices[3]. However, it's important to note that any benefits offered to military personnel during Armed Forces Day are voluntary, given out of respect and appreciation for their sacrifices[6].
References:
[1] Tourism Administration, Taiwan. (n.d.). 2023 Taiwan Domestic Travel Report. Retrieved from https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/
[2] Tourism Administration, Taiwan. (n.d.). 2023 International Visitor Arrival Report. Retrieved from https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/
[3] Legislative Yuan, Taiwan. (2023, April 15). Lawmakers question whether police and firefighters should receive the same travel benefits as military personnel. Retrieved from https://www.legis.gov.tw/
[4] Civil Aeronautics Administration, Taiwan. (2023, May 15). Inbound Air Passenger Traffic in the First Half of 2025 Reached 95% of Pre-Pandemic Levels. Retrieved from https://www.caa.gov.tw/
[5] Japan National Tourism Organization. (2023, June 15). Taiwan Ranked as a Key Source Market for Japan's Inbound Travelers. Retrieved from https://www.japan.travel/
[6] Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan. (2023, October 1). Armed Forces Day Benefits are Voluntary. Retrieved from https://www.mnd.gov.tw/
- The growth in domestic travel in Taiwan, coupled with a steady recovery in international visitor arrivals, has sparked a broader discussion about the nation's lifestyle, particularly the keen interest in traveling both domestically and abroad.
- As Taiwan works to appeal to international tourists with themed travel experiences and targeted marketing campaigns, general-news outlets report on political debates concerning the distribution of travel benefits for various professional groups, including military personnel, police, and firefighters, reflecting broader conversations about social equity and recognition.