The Taiwan Tourism Administration (TTA) marked its strong return to the Indian market with the grand opening of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in Mumbai earlier this year. Situated at Raheja Platinum on the prominent Andheri-Kurla Road, TTIC aims to be a comprehensive hub for travel, tourism, and hospitality information related to Taiwan.
The inauguration event, attended by 85 leading Indian tour operators and key figures from the travel trade, underscored Taiwan’s commitment to revitalising tourism ties with India post-pandemic. The opening of TTIC coincided with the Outbound Travel Market in Mumbai, where Taiwan showcased its attractions and conducted destination seminars and networking events.
Leading the high-level Taiwanese delegation was Dr Trust Lin, Deputy Director General of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, Taiwanese Ministry of Transportation and Communication. ETTravelWorld had the opportunity to sit down with Dr Trust to discuss Taiwan’s ambitious plans for the Indian market. Talking about Taiwan Tourism’s renewed focus on the Indian market, Dr Trust said that their initiatives signify a determined comeback after more than three years of a pandemic-induced hiatus.
“India is a cherished market for us. Our return is not just about resuming operations but reaffirming our commitment to this vibrant community. We are here to invest, grow, and create lasting bonds. Taiwan is back, and we are excited about the future,” he mentioned.
In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Dr Trust, discussed the current tourism scenario and future plans. “In 2019, we had around 40,000 visitors from India. This year, we aim to surpass that number, targeting 45,000 to 50,000 visitors. The strategy focuses on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and family tourism, given the high demand post-pandemic. Taiwan is well-equipped with new exhibition halls and large hotels, making it ideal for MICE tourism. For families, Taiwan offers high-end luxury experiences perfect for small groups,” Dr Trust revealed.
Taiwan Tourism Administration hopes that this year’s visitor numbers from India are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. It is also expected that direct flights between the two regions will resume soon, making travel between Taiwan and India more convenient, comfortable, and economical.
Direct flights are crucial for increasing tourist numbers, and Dr Trust provided insights on this front. “Currently, Taiwan’s airline capacity is about 70-80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. We are in talks with various airlines, including China Airlines, to resume direct flights. Meanwhile, we are promoting stopover tours in partnership with airlines operating through Hong Kong, Thailand, or Singapore, allowing travelers to visit Taiwan as part of a multi-destination trip,” he explained.
The company, which also operates Agoda, Priceline and Kayak, said the Indian government has launched several tourism projects to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity and increase access to many of the country’s tourist destinations. Additionally, they have also implemented visa-friendly initiatives such as e-visa or visa-free entry to many countries, which has propelled inbound and outbound travel.
The TTIC in Mumbai is a significant step, but it is just the beginning. Dr Trust emphasised plans to expand this initiative to other Indian cities, including tier-two and tier-three markets. “We plan to resume our online training programs with Indian travel agencies and agents, which were very effective pre-pandemic. We also aim to invite and participate in media familiarization trips to further promote Taiwan. Additionally, we are considering collaborations with Bollywood stars to enhance our visibility,” he said.
With a focus on long-term investment, Dr Trust outlined his vision for Taiwan’s presence in the Indian market. “Our global target is to significantly increase our market share. The Indian market is unique and holds immense potential. We are committed to a long-term strategy, with plans extending beyond five years. Consistent investment and presence are crucial. We advise our TMCs (Travel Management Companies) to adopt a similar long-term approach to establish a strong foothold in India. We are determined to position Taiwan as a major tourism destination for Indian travelers,” he stated.
To attract Indian tourists, TTA has introduced specific incentives and initiatives. “For MICE travellers, we offer incentives ranging from USD 50 to USD 70 for participating in exhibitions in Taiwan. For families, we have the ‘Taiwan Luckyland’ campaign, which includes lucky draws for registered travellers. These initiatives are designed to enhance the overall travel experience and encourage more visitors,” he elaborated.
To actively cultivate the international tourist market, the Ministry of Transportation and Communication’s Tourism Administration, Taiwan, is targeting the consumer markets of Indonesia and India along with Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The Administration recently invited ten travel agencies specialising in incentive travel for a familiarisation trip Taiwan from June 20 to 25. This marks the first post-pandemic group, aiming to “prioritize the short-term development of the MICE market and target the mass market in the long term” through a phased marketing strategy.
To seize the opportunity for Indian businesses to visit Taiwan, the Administration also organized a “Taiwan-India Tourism B2B Networking Session” on the 24th, attracting about 15 businesses from travel agencies, hotels, and the tourism and leisure industry.
