The 38th Taiwan-Korea Tourism Exchange Meeting was held June 19 in Mokpo, South Korea, underscoring bilateral commitment to enhancing mutual competitiveness in the global travel industry.
This year’s edition drew nearly 200 participants from the academic, governmental and industrial sectors. Prominent domestic attendees included Huang Shih-fang, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration, and Taiwan Visitors Association Chair Chien Yu-yen, as well as representatives of local governments, airline companies and travel agencies, the administration said.
Discussion centered around talent cultivation and the application of digital technology, the TA said. The two countries also shared their experience promoting diversified local tours and revitalizing traditional culture to encourage balanced rural and urban travel.
Speaking at the event, Huang noted that the number of Korean passengers traveling to Taiwan has reached over 80 percent of prepandemic levels, with young visitors aged 20-39 comprising the largest portion of arrivals. To appeal to this demographic, the TA has launched campaigns promoting local culture and natural landscapes, he said.
Korean travelers aged 50-59 are another prominent source of arrivals, Huang said. To target the cohort, the TA’s office in the port city of Busan is working to increase the number of cruise routes stopping at local harbors, he added.
According to the TA, the two sides set a goal of 3 million reciprocal visits this year. It was also announced that the 39th edition will be held in southern Taiwan’s Pingtung County. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw