Taiwan eyes visa extension, shopping incentives to attract Filipino tourists

TAIPEI — The Taiwan Tourism Board is currently studying the possibility of extending the 14-day visa-free entry until 2025 for Filipino tourists, allowing them to stay in Taiwan without a visa.

Taiwan is one of the most visited destinations by foreign tourists, including Filipinos, with the Taiwan Tourism Board expecting to receive around six million foreign tourists, including the target of 225,000 Filipino tourists, before the end of 2023.

"But I think we will just have to evaluate the possibility of extending the 14-day visa-free stay, and I think the most important thing is to welcome all the Philippine visitors to come to Taiwan," said Emily Huang, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, during a visit by a Philippine media delegation in Taiwan.

To further encourage Filipino tourists to visit Taiwan, the Taiwan Tourism Board will hold a raffle where 5,000 New Taiwan Dollars, equivalent to almost P9,000.00, worth of shopping vouchers will be given to lucky tourists traveling to Taiwan.

Interested individuals just need to register on the Lucky Land website of Taiwan seven days before their trip. Upon arrival at Taiwan's airport, their names will be checked to see if they have been chosen in the daily raffle.

Golf Tourism

The Philippine government, through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, is likewise trying to encourage Taiwanese nationals to visit the country.

One of the activities that MECO is set to promote in Taiwan is "Golf Tourism." 

According to MECO Chairman Silvestre Bello, playing golf in Taiwan is expensive compared to the Philippines. Through "Golf Tourism," Taiwanese tourists can save money and have the opportunity to explore the country.

"The interest of Taiwanese people in golf is increasing, so we are capturing that," said MECO Chairman Silvestre Bello. —VAL,GMA Integrated News