Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-12-12

Taiwan welcomed its 10 millionth visitor of the year on Tuesday. This makes 2017 the

A Singaporean national (second from right) became the 10 millionth visitor to Taiwan this year on Tuesday. (CNA)

third year in a row to bring more than 10 million tourists to the country.

The makeup of Taiwan’s tourism market has changed markedly in recent years, however, with a steep decline in Chinese visitors due to cross-strait friction.

The Tourism Bureau says the country is now benefiting from the government’s New Southbound policy. The policy seeks closer ties with Australia, New Zealand, and the countries of South and Southeast Asia. The bureau says visa waivers for visitors from Thailand and the Philippines and a conditional waiver for visitors from Vietnam have doubled tourism from these three countries in particular.    [FULL  STORY]