Taiwan has positioned sustainability as the main focus of its tourism offering going forward.
The country has introduced a comprehensive tourism strategy focused on Sustainable X Digital transformation, aiming to enhance visitor experiences while protecting its natural and cultural heritage in alignment with its 2030 vision.
The move – which will be further highlighted at the Taiwan stand at WTM London next month – is in direct response to the Eastern Asian country becoming more popular with international holiday visitors.
The core of Taiwan’s strategy is finding harmony between tourism growth and environmental protection. Popular scenic spots are monitored with real-time crowd control and eco-friendly transport options to reduce environmental impacts. Protected areas, such as Turtle Island, maintain controlled access to ensure ecosystem preservation.
Key components of the strategy include:
- Sustainability Focus: Emphasising environmental protection alongside tourism growth, with measures like real-time crowd control at popular sites and eco-friendly transport options.
- Community Empowerment: Encouraging local communities to create unique tourism experiences, ensuring that a larger share of revenue supports local development.
- Green Practices: Hotels will phase out single-use amenities by 2025, supported by government eco-certifications, and initiatives like the ‘Gold Quality Hospitality B&B’ program will promote responsible accommodations.
- Transportation Improvements: Enhancements to public transport, including the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Hotels are adopting sustainable practices as well, with a ban on single-use amenities planned by 2025, backed by government support for eco-certifications. Initiatives like the ‘Gold Quality Hospitality B&B’ program also encourage environmentally responsible accommodations.
To promote green travel, Taiwan is improving public transportation, including the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, which connects major hubs to scenic spots, helping reduce the need for private cars. Travel agencies are receiving training and incentives to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring tourism fosters community development while protecting the environment.
A key focus of the strategy is empowering local communities to develop unique tourism experiences. This ensures a larger share of tourism revenue stays within the community, supporting local growth and offering visitors authentic, immersive cultural experiences.
“Taiwan is a treasure trove of unique experiences for travellers,” said Linda Lin, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration London Office. “We’re thrilled by the growth in UK interest and believe our new strategy will attract travellers seeking authentic adventures with a minimal environmental footprint.”
