Taiwan is making waves in the Canadian tourism market with the grand opening of its new Taiwan Tourism Information Centre in Vancouver on October 2, 2024. This strategic move signals a commitment to enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and promoting its unique attractions, culture, and experiences to Canadian travelers.
The official inauguration was a testament to the growing partnership between Taiwan and Canada, with esteemed dignitaries including Deputy Director General Trust Lin of the Tourism Administration, Angel Liu, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, and Sylvia S.H. Lee, Director of the San Francisco Taiwan Tourism Office, gracing the event. Industry leaders from China Airlines and EVA Air also marked their presence, signifying the strong collaboration between tourism and airlines to facilitate seamless travel experiences.
The Vancouver-based center is poised to become a valuable resource for travelers seeking comprehensive information about Taiwan. This effort aligns with the broader goal of increasing visitor numbers to Taiwan and deepening the bond between the two regions. “The 2024-2025 period is critical for revitalizing Taiwan’s tourism industry post-pandemic,” said Deputy Director General Lin. “The Vancouver office is the first in the Americas under our global strategy to establish ten Taiwan Tourism Information Centers (TTICs), following recent openings in Mumbai, Jakarta, and Paris. This office is strategically positioned to drive Taiwan’s tourism growth in North America.”
The center offers bilingual support in both Chinese and English, ensuring Canadian travelers have access to tailored resources for their trips to Taiwan. Visitors can schedule appointments for in-depth consultations, receive promotional materials, and explore multimedia resources showcasing Taiwan’s diverse offerings. Beyond being an information hub, the center will also strengthen partnerships between Taiwanese and Canadian travel agencies.
Canada has emerged as the second-largest source of travelers to Taiwan from the Americas, highlighting the market’s significance. Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-Hui emphasized the ambitious goal of attracting 200,000 Canadian visitors annually. In 2023, Canadian tourism to Taiwan reached 70% of pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the market’s potential. With its high tourist-to-population ratio, Canada is considered a key player in Taiwan’s future tourism growth.
To further enhance Taiwan’s appeal, the Taiwan Tourism Administration has launched the “Taiwan Waves of Wonder” campaign, featuring captivating images of Taiwan’s landscapes on Vancouver SkyTrain cars. Residents are encouraged to share photos of these advertisements for a chance to win prizes, including round-trip flights to Taiwan, inviting Vancouverites to experience the island’s beauty firsthand.
In addition to the center’s opening, a range of special promotions are available to international visitors. Highlights include the Taiwan “Lucky Draw”, offering NT$5,000 in spending money, a buy-one-get-one-free deal on High-Speed Rail tickets for routes south of Taichung, and discounted “Taiwan Pass” tickets that combine High-Speed Rail, MRT, and Taiwan Tourist Shuttle services. The Taiwan Tourism Administration is also offering half-day transit tours, allowing visitors to experience some of Taiwan’s top attractions even during short stopovers.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration is committed to showcasing Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty to inspire even more Canadians to visit. Conveniently located in Richmond City, Vancouver, near the Richmond-Brighouse SkyTrain station and CF Richmond Centre Shopping Mall, the office offers easy access to those seeking travel information.
The grand opening event was a vibrant affair, featuring a performance by DJ Dungi Sapor from Taiwan’s Amis indigenous community, showcasing the island’s vibrant cultural diversity. During the ceremony, Deputy Director General Trust Lin expressed optimism that the Vancouver office will play a crucial role in Taiwan’s tourism goals. Angel Liu, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, highlighted the office’s role in enhancing Taiwan’s image and tourism services in Canada.
With its strategic location, comprehensive services, and exciting promotions, the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre in Vancouver promises to be a gateway for Canadian travelers to discover the wonders of Taiwan.
