In a groundbreaking partnership, Taiwan and Thailand are setting new benchmarks for sustainable tourism in Asia. The two nations recently launched a tourism talent exchange program, blending environmental awareness with cultural appreciation. This collaboration aims to mutually boost resource integration while promoting sustainable tourism development and digital transformation.
Deputy Director-General Lin Hsin-Jen, Taiwan Visitors Association Chairperson Chien Yu-yen, and Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Deputy Director Huang Chun-yang attended the event. The program ran from December 2 to 8, 2024.
Strong Taiwan-Thailand ties
The alliance between Taiwan and Thailand builds on strong tourism ties. From January to September 2024, mutual visits reached 1.127 million, a 35.47 increase versus the same period in 2023. Moreover, it was 24.39 percent higher than 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, in 2024, Thailand expects over one million Taiwanese visitors, contributing significantly to its economy.
This boom has been further fueled by Thailand’s extension of visa-free exemptions for Taiwanese travelers. Taiwan remains a favorite destination for Thai tourists, offering unique cultural experiences and natural attractions. Currently, a mutual visa exemption policy allows travelers from both countries to explore destinations freely.
An Agoda report also noted in August that 74 percent of Thai travelers revisited Taiwan, along with Japan and Laos. Travelers cited adventure (32 percent), food (23 percent), art and culture (20 percent), and visiting family/friends as reasons for visiting Thailand. Other reasons were ease of travel, local cuisine, safety and cleanliness, convenient location, and shopping opportunities.
On the other hand, Thailand expects to receive more than 1 million Taiwanese visitors in 2024, with an individual expenditure of USD 1,150 each.
Tourism done sustainably
The Taiwan-Thailand Tourism Talent Exchange Program aims to elevate sustainable tourism practices in both countries. Key objectives include training hospitality professionals in green practices and fostering people-to-people connections. The program also emphasizes knowledge sharing on eco-tourism, ensuring both nations can tackle environmental challenges collaboratively.
Taiwan’s “Dual Axis Transformation With Three Guiding Policies” supported the program’s framework. These policies put a special focus on regional tourism and different thematic experiences.
Representatives from the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation Under Royal Patronage attended the program. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Division Taipei Office (TAT) were also present.
Lastly, there was also a representation of the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA). Key topics included marketing tourist destinations, digital transformation and smart tourism applications, and emerging cruise industry trends.
Guided tours and visits
The participants also visited certain Taiwanese attractions such as the Heping Island Geopark and Shen’ao for cycling tourism. In addition, they also visited the Dajia Zhenlan Temple, Nantou tea farms, and the Dihua Street shopping district. These tours and guided visits allowed them to experience Taiwan’s natural, cultural, and urban tourist gems while discussing sustainable practices.
Furthermore, this initiative has garnered support from tourism boards, private businesses, and educational institutions. Joint training sessions have already started, focusing on reducing environmental impacts while enhancing tourist experiences.
Photo by Kaizer Bienes on Unsplash
