Taiwan’s outbound tourism industry is thriving, marked by the adventurous spirit of its travelers and their interest in exploring new cultures. With increased affluence and a strong passport, Taiwanese tourists are frequent visitors to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America. The market shows a keen interest in cultural experiences, nature, and culinary tourism, reflecting the island’s own rich heritage. The easing of travel restrictions and tailored travel packages have further stimulated outbound tourism.
Popular destinations include Japan, Thailand, and the United States, where Taiwanese tourists contribute significantly to local economies through their spending on accommodation, shopping, and dining. In 2023, a record 11,795,834 Taiwanese took trips abroad, a significant increase from 1,482,821 in 2022. Of these travelers, more than 58 percent (6,870,883) embarked on their journeys in the latter half of the year, signaling a potential decline in domestic travel. Japan emerged as the top destination, attracting 4,911,681 visitors from Taiwan. It was followed by Mainland China with 4,043,686 trips, Hong Kong with 1,676,374, South Korea with 1,209,062, and Vietnam with 853,257.
Following the removal of outbound travel restrictions in October 2022, Taiwanese tourism abroad surged. By June 2023, the number of Taiwanese traveling internationally exceeded 1 million in a single month, marking the highest level since 2020. The United States has consistently been the preferred long-haul destination for Taiwanese travelers. In 2022, it hosted over 137,000 visitors from Taiwan. The number of Taiwanese tourists to the U.S. soared by 139% in 2023. These travelers primarily visit for family reunions, business engagements, trade shows, and educational purposes, presenting significant opportunities for the U.S. travel and tourism industry.
Thailand actively attracts tourists from Taiwan, ranking as a premier destination. The Thai government has taken a significant step, announcing on Friday that Taiwanese tourists can now extend their stay to 60 days per entry, courtesy of the visa-free program. During the first four months of this year, a remarkable 210,283 Taiwanese tourists explored Thailand, representing a substantial 74.05% increase from the previous year. In a similar move, Indonesia is proactively introducing a visa-waiver program for Taiwanese visitors, further enhancing the travel experience. In 2023, Indonesia welcomed around 155,150 tourists from Taiwan.
China Airlines, the flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan), manages an extensive fleet that supports a wide network in Asia and provides services to North America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Pacific. Based in Taipei, this airline has recently launched a new route to Seattle, further expanding its North American network. Additionally, the airline anticipates the delivery of the first of 24 Boeing 787 jets it has ordered, expected to join the fleet in 2025. For over 50 years, China Airlines has been a significant player in the North American market, and the new non-stop flights to Seattle will broaden its passenger network in the US Northwest. This expansion provides travelers with over 40 return flights weekly to the US and Canada, enhancing connectivity between Taiwan and the Americas. Furthermore, the airline aims to increase its market share in Asia through its expansive regional network, offering nearly 400 weekly flights for travelers between North America and Southeast Asia and for those transiting through Northeast Asia.
In the face of increasing competition on the Taipei to Seattle route, Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines has announced it will start operating three weekly round-trip services beginning August 15, becoming the fourth carrier to serve this route. In response, EVA Airways has upped its service from seven to 10 weekly round-trip flights starting June 25.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, also known as Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, is the primary international gateway to Taipei and the busiest airport in Taiwan. Known for its efficient, modern facilities, it stands as one of the most traveler-friendly airports in Asia, accommodating a mix of domestic and international flights. In 2023, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport reported a record 6.25 million transits, driven by high demand from passengers traveling between North America and Southeast Asia. This marked a 17.5 percent increase over the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, managed by the Taiwan International Airport Corporation (TIAC). Notably, Dubai International Airport retained its status as the busiest airport globally last year, handling 86.8 million passengers. Transit passenger statistics from last year reveal that 37.9 percent of them originated from North America, while 35.8 percent traveled from Southeast Asia, underscoring Taiwan’s strategic importance as a key East Asian transportation hub. The total passenger volume at Taoyuan Airport surged from 5.3 million in 2022 to 35.35 million in 2023. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport serves as a hub for various international and regional airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, EVA Airways, HK Express, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Peach Aviation, Royal Air Philippines, STARLUX Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and VietJet Air.
