Taiwan Took Flight: Tourism Administration Drove U.S. Market Expansion

TAIPEI, Taiwan - Oct. 11, 2024 - PRLog -- According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, over 380,000 travelers from the Americas visited Taiwan in the first half of 2024, with more than 60% engaging in business, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and tourism activities. This figure represented a 10% increase compared to the pre-pandemic period, indicating a strong recovery.

To further promote direct flights between Taiwan and the U.S. and support Taiwan's MICE industry, the Tourism Administration, in partnership with the Department of Information and Tourism of the Taipei City Government, led four domestic MICE companies and three national airlines to the IMEX America exhibition in Las Vegas from October 8 to 10, 2024. During this business promotion event, the Administration highlighted the convenience of direct flights between Taiwan and the U.S. and encouraged buyers to take full advantage of the "Accelerated Plan to Attract International Tourists" and「Take THSR with 2 for 1 One-way Ticket for Non-Taiwanese Passport Holders Entering Taiwan for a Short-term Stay Promotion國際旅客搭高鐵遊台灣兩人同行一人免費優惠活動」.

During the three-day IMEX America 2024, the Taiwan Pavilion held over 100 business meetings, mainly with buyers from the U.S. and Canada. The pavilion's theme, "Mountains, Waters, and Island Fun," showcased Taiwan's diverse natural landscapes. The pavilion also hosted five group presentations, primarily attended by professional conference organizers (PCOs), destination management companies (DMCs), PR agencies, and travel agencies.

This year, IMEX America featured an expanded presence from the Caribbean and North American regions, with new destinations like Detroit, the Dominican Republic, Philadelphia, Miami, and Vancouver. Europe and the Middle East, including countries like the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, and Dubai, also participated actively. The broad international presence underscored the importance of IMEX America as a platform for promoting MICE destinations and provided Taiwanese exhibitors with excellent business opportunities.

As technology became increasingly integrated into the events industry, a new technology zone was established at the exhibition, showcasing the latest innovations and offering one-on-one expert guidance. One of the exhibition's 7 main themes focused on technology, covering topics like AI and data analytics, which attracted numerous tech companies. Attendees also experienced immersive activities, such as the Mirror Box sponsored by Toronto and the Resilience Room by Google Xi. The convergence of technology and MICE had become a growing trend, offering valuable insights for Taiwan's industry.