Kaohsiung Travel website

Kaohsiung has been endeavoring to capture the international tourism market, targeting Thailand's 7.5 million outbound travelers. On Oct. 31st, Kao Min-Lin, Director of Kaohsiung City Government's Tourism Bureau, led a delegation, including Hero (Kaohsiung’s tourism ambassador), the tourism association, industry agencies, and a team of top Kaohsiung craftsmen, to Thailand, where they conducted a Kaohsiung tourism marketing conference and B2B business meetings. Director Kao gave a presentation to representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), the Thai-Taiwan Business Association (TTBA), China Airlines, EVA Air, Starlux Airlines, Thai Airways, and over a hundred people from Thai tourism associations, travel agencies, and local renowned media. She shared the scenic beauty of Kaohsiung's mountains, seas, rivers, ports, new highlights of international landmarks, and rich culinary culture. The event featured five groups of top Kaohsiung craftsmen and local business stalls on-site to create a sensory experience. The adorable and playful Kaohsiung mascot Hero allowed attendees to experience the charm of Kaohsiung tourism firsthand. To attract more international visitors, Thailand announced that from Nov. 10th to May 10th next year, Taiwanese travelers can enter Thailand visa-free for a 30-day stay. In the future, Kaohsiung and Thailand will have more intensive tourism exchanges.

Director Kao mentioned that this event invited many prominent guests from the Thai overseas Chinese community and the travel industry. Notable attendees included the Overseas Community Affairs Council Advisory Committee member He Sujen, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand's Minister Hsueh Hsiu-Mei, the Deputy Director-General of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) Somchai Chomraka, the Director of the Tourism Administration's Bangkok Office Chen Yi-Ting, the President of the Thai-Taiwan Business Association (TTBA) Chen Han-Chuan, the General Manager of China Airlines Thailand Branch Pan Yun-Hao, the Chief Representative of EVA Air Thailand Branch Kang Cai-Yi, the General Manager of Starlux Airlines Thailand Branch Tseng Xuan-Cheng, the Taiwan Market Manager of Thai Airways Shane Powichit, and the Abbot of Fo Guang Shan Thaihua Temple Venerable Hui Shang, among others. The event saw over a hundred attendees from the Thai tourism agents association, tourism, transportation, media, and religious sectors, making it an unprecedented gathering. This time, the main visual theme was the largest rainbow landscape in the nation, located in the Pier-2 Art Center, represented through a gender-friendly six-color rainbow. This symbolized six major themes: "Michelin-starred gourmet and unique snacks, Taiwanese beauty and makeup, international tourism landmarks, religious pilgrimage tours, large-scale festival activities, and LGBTQ+ friendly travel." The event earnestly recommended entertainment activities, new ways to have fun in the urban port, and night-time dining and wine bars that Thai tourists will love and enjoy. The promotion to Thai tourism businesses highlighted that Taiwan is the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage and that Kaohsiung is the friendliest city, with many gender-friendly accommodations, actively targeting the LGBTQ+ market and the pink economy. Additionally, the "International Tourist Group Subsidy Plan" specifically aimed at Thai tourists garnered significant interest from Thai businesses.

Minister Hsueh Hsiu-Mei stated in her speech that, according to travel trend data, from the reopening of borders until October this year, over 15.7 million searches from Thailand used "Taiwan" as a travel destination keyword, making Taiwan only second to Japan in terms of popularity in Thailand. This indicates the affection Thai people have for Taiwan. Thailand also announced that starting in November, it will implement a 30-day visa-free entry for Taiwanese citizens, which will initially try for six months. It marks a significant step in promoting tourism exchanges between Kaohsiung and Thailand. TTAA Deputy Director-General Somchai Chomraka noted in his speech, "Before the pandemic, about 460 thousand Thai tourists visited Taiwan annually. This year, until October, the number has reached approximately 260 thousand, recovering over 63%. Next year, the TTAA will intensify cooperation with the Tourism Administration, MOTC to strive to bring 1 million visitors to Taiwan, setting a new milestone. We will also arrange for our members to visit and explore Kaohsiung itineraries soon." TTBA President Chen Han-Chuan also mentioned, "The exchange between Taiwan and Thailand is very close, with over 5,000 members currently. We encourage our members to visit Kaohsiung more often, either for employee travel or annual meetings."

The Tourism Bureau explained that this promotional event also invited five groups of top Kaohsiung craftsmen and tourism industry professionals. Through B2B business discussions, they explored cooperation and exchange programs between the two places. The top craftsmen groups featured Master Wu Pao-Chun, a two-time winner of the World Master Baker competition, who shared his award-winning bread to widespread acclaim. From Gangshan, Master Lee You-Chang, who holds a "French Le Cordon Bleu Pastry Chef" certificate, made exquisite chocolate desserts on-site, astonishing the audience. Teacher Chen Yi-Yang, a champion in international coffee roasting and brewing competitions, demonstrated his superb hand-brewed coffee skills, filling the venue with a delightful coffee aroma. Chef Wang Hong-Jun of "The little lion of Judah ," who has recently risen to fame in Kaohsiung's private kitchen scene, impressed with his fusion of Thai and Taiwanese cooking techniques. Additionally, "Shanjinwu"studio, known for reviving the culture of fishing flags, was represented by Teacher Chang Shu-Wen, who taught guests to make screen printing, offering a unique cultural experience that left a lasting impression.
Furthermore, the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, with its focus on "religious culture, international art, and vegetarian health," connected with Thai Buddhist culture, eliciting much resonance. Finally, the event also invited three well-known Thai internet influencers, including Ratto and travel blogger "Jenny’s Journey," to share their fun experiences traveling in Kaohsiung. Additionally, BANK, a representative of the crew of the upcoming romantic music BL (boys love) drama "First Note of LOVE," which will be filmed in Kaohsiung at the end of the year, shared many famous landmarks in Kaohsiung, such as the Great Harbor Bridge, the Kaohsiung Music Center, and the Pier-2 Rainbow Landscape. These landmarks echo Kaohsiung's diverse and open LGBTQ+ friendly environment.
The Tourism Bureau added that there are currently 14 direct flights per week between Bangkok and Kaohsiung, making it a very convenient 3.5-hour journey. Kaohsiung has also introduced the "International Tourist Group Subsidy Plan." Groups of more than 15 foreign tourists staying in Kaohsiung for one night and visiting designated attractions will receive a subsidy of NT$5,000 from Sunday to Thursday and NT$4,000 on Fridays, Saturdays, and national holidays. This initiative attracted the attention of travel industry professionals and media at the event. The Kaohsiung International Tourism Marketing Team achieved resounding success and was well-received. For more information about these activities, please visit the official Kaohsiung Travel website, Facebook, and Instagram.