A record 8 million visitors descended on the 2011 Taiwan Lantern Festival at Miaoli County’s Zhunan-Toufen Sports Park before it turned out its lights Feb. 28, according to the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
“This number included at least 28,000 foreign visitors, and over 120 international media representatives from Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S.,” the bureau said. “It also generated NT$5.6 billion (US$188.6 million) in business.”
According to Herman Hsu, chairman of the Miaoli County Tourism Association, Internet marketing was one reason the festival was so successful.
“We posted photos of the event on our website, highlighting must-see sites and activities,” Hsu said. “Thanks to the Internet and word-of-mouth advertising, youngsters made up about 70 percent of festival visitors.”
Convenient transportation was also a contributing factor, as the venue is located near the Zhunan train station and the interchange of National Highways No. 1 and 3, Hsu noted.
In addition, the event provided a range of amusements, including themed pavilions and water light shows, breaking the stereotype of a festival featuring only lanterns.
The 2012 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be staged in Lugang Township, Changhua County, the Tourism Bureau said. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw