The 2024 Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) opened this Thursday at Taipei’s Nangang Exhibition Center with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attending the inaugural ceremony for the first time as the head of state.
Organized by the Tourism Administration and Taiwan Visitors Association, the four-day travel fair is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in Taiwan, making it one of Asia's most significant travel industry platforms. This year’s event features 1,500 booths representing 110 countries and regions, including participation from ten of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies including Paraguay and Guatemala.
In his address, President Lai praised the fair's successful launch amidst Typhoon Kong-rey and extended his gratitude to Taiwan’s frontline disaster relief personnel. He also underscored the importance of tourism as both a soft power and diplomatic force, reflecting Taiwan's growing global connectivity.
Looking forward, the president shared the government’s commitment to green tourism amid global climate change and to promote unique, in-depth travel experiences such as film tourism, Hakka and Indigenous village tours, railway adventures, and sports tourism. These initiatives aim to appeal to both domestic and international travelers, enriching Taiwan’s tourism industry and fostering greater engagement with visitors worldwide.