A LATE entrant to the game, Taiwan is now in hot pursuit of the Indian market with education initiatives and a new visa scheme.
From January this year, Indians sailing to Taiwan on Star Cruises ships can enter without visas. “The visa-free scheme is being revised and new routes and cruise lines will be added in the near future,” said Arthur Hsieh, director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Singapore Office, speaking on the sidelines of a four-city road show in India last week.
A top source market for Taiwan, India sent 32,000 visitors in 2014, up 30 per cent over 2013.
Chung-Kwang Tien, Taiwan’s ambassador to India, said: “We have been a late entrant in India. Therefore, we are working hard towards achieving increased tourist arrivals from this potential market. We are looking forward to getting on board a brand ambassador and spreading awareness about Taiwan by educating tour operators.”
Noel Saxena, country head – India, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, shared: “We will be holding online training programmes for Indian travel consultants in March and a corporate MICE evening by June.”
Taiwan will promote newer areas of interest such as Kenting, Sun Moon Lake and Taroko, apart from Taipei, for India’s growing MICE market.
Hsieh said: “This year, we expect 15 per cent growth in arrivals from India. Reiterating our commitment to the Indian market, we have increased our marketing budget by 50 per cent, investing more in advertisements on billboards, taxis and movie theatres.”
