Taiwan’s outlying Penghu County is among the hottest emerging vacation destinations in Asia, according to the 2015 Fresh Destination list released earlier in the month by global online travel agency Agoda.
“Interest in Penghu has jumped in recent years, thanks to increased coverage of its annual fireworks festival and inclusion in several best of travel lists,” Agoda said.
As a result of its location 43 kilometers off the west coast of Taiwan, the archipelago has yet to witness large-scale tourism, Agoda said. “Check out fishing villages, temples and lovingly restored walking streets, as well as some really unique historic and geological sites.”
Experiencing the strong wind in spring for windsurfing is a must, while summer is a great time for all vacationers to enjoy the islands’ gorgeous weather, fresh seafood and annual fireworks festival, according to Agoda.
Chen Mei-ling, director of Penghu County Government’s Tourism Department, said the listing is a vote of confidence for the islands and she expects to welcome more visitors from home and abroad going forward.
“We have a number of plans in the works for making Penghu a more relaxing vacation destination,” she said. “These include a five-star hotel set for opening in two months and chartered flights between the county and Hong Kong, Nanjing and several other mainland Chinese cities.”
Other getaways making the list are Buriram in Thailand, Chitwan National Park in Nepal, Coorg in India, Mount Emei in mainland China, Pangandaran in Indonesia, Sokcho in South Korea and Yufuin in Japan. These spots have seen a dramatic increase in travelers seeking “new and unique travel experiences,” Agoda said.
Penghu’s latest listing follows its inclusion in 2012 as a member of the France-headquartered Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. It was also named one of the 10 best secret islands in the 2011 Lonely Planet guide. (SFC-JSM)
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