Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s Singapore Office Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

Record high visitor numbers from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India and Middle East in 2017 mark the tourism regional hub’s success

Text by Rachel Kwek

When the bureau’s Singapore office was set up in 1978, Taiwan only had 40,000 visitors from Singapore. Last year, the number of visitors from Singapore hit a record high of 420,000 with the joint efforts of the office’s founding director Chen Tieguan; successive directors Yang Benli, Zhao Guangxun, Zheng Zhihong and Xie Changming; and current director Lin Xinren.

President of Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Mr Zhou Yonghui, delivered a special message: “Taiwan is like a cruise ship that carries all the good memories for all passengers! 40 years have gone by in a flash. Since we set up our office in Singapore in 1978, we have not only serviced tourists but also eased the homesickness of Taiwanese people living here.”

The highlight of the celebrations, the 40th anniversary party and the Taiwan Tourism Promotion Conference held at JW Marriot Hotel on August 20, were attended by VIPs, travel operators and media from both Taiwan and Singapore. Directors of Taiwan Tourism Bureau Singapore thanked the community for the support they have extended towards the office in various ways. Additionally, buyers could interact one-to-one at a trade fair held that afternoon. The nine county governments of Taiwan also introduced the latest themed itineraries, which not only allow local tour agencies to tailor their Taiwan tour packages in advance but also attract Singaporeans to revisit.

To celebrate this milestone, the bureau’s local office lined up musical performances to boost Singaporeans’ interest to visit Taiwan. The line-up of celebratory activities included popular singer-songwriter Eric Chou’s TWENTY TWO Plus Asia Tour concert and the Atayal Dreams concert performed by Hisinchu Atayal Choir.

With operations spanning Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India and Middle East, the bureau’s Singapore’s office plays a key role in supporting Taiwan’s southbound policy in the area of tourism. In 2017, the number of visitors from all these areas not only increased significantly but reached a record high. Director Lin Xinren said, “In the past 40 years, the office has gone through foundation building, growth and transformation since its founding. Moving forward, Taiwan Tourism Bureau aims to further promote Taiwan in Singapore, India, New Zealand, Australia, Israel and Arab countries through innovative travel solutions and creative marketing. It looks forward to welcoming the next 40 years and creating more growth in the tourism sector by 2020.”