The 2023 International Travel Fair (ITF) opened in Taipei on Friday. The four-day event is held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and features over 1,300 exhibitors from various countries and cities.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended the opening ceremony and said that Taiwan not only needs to increase international tourist numbers but should also focus on improving quality. Even though there have been positive developments compared to previous years, she emphasized the importance of continuously making Taiwan more popular among world travelers.
Additionally, Taiwan welcomed its five-millionth international visitor of the year on Thursday. Apasiri Khumpibal, a woman from Thailand, was surprised to learn that she was the lucky traveler. Director of the Tourism Administration Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) presented Khumpibal with gifts, including high-speed rail and Taiwan Railway tickets, a three-day pass for the Taipei and Taoyuan Metro, and hotel accommodation.