Turtle Island visit offer creates waves

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS: The invitation to a free tour of the island on Aug. 1 for people whose names include the word ‘turtle’ has been criticized as a stunt

Taipei Times
Date: Jun 10, 2020
By: Shelley Shan / Staff reporter

The Northeast Coast and Yilan National Scenic Area Administration has planned a series of events in August to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of Turtle Island (龜山島) to the public, but one promotion has landed the agency in hot water.

The island off the main island’s northeast coast was designated a military restricted zone in 1977 and the government forced its residents to relocate to Taiwan proper. The restriction was not lifted until 2000, when the government decided to turn it into a tourist attraction.

The Tourism Bureau agency has invited those who used to live and work on Turtle Island to return for a visit on Aug. 1, including those who attended elementary school on the island, teachers, military personnel, police, doctors and nurses.

It also invited people whose names include the word “turtle” to visit the same day and take a free tour of the island.   [FULL  STORY]