Pinoys top Southeast Asia visitors to Taiwan in 2024

Citing the Philippines as an important tourism market in Southeast Asia, Taiwan on Friday opened its first-ever tourism center to attract more Filipinos visitors.

Data from Taiwan's Tourism Administration from January to October 2024 showed Filipinos topping the list of visitors in the region to Taiwan with 371, 593 arrivals - a 35% increase from last year.

With the opening of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Makati City, Taiwan's de facto envoy to Manila Wallace Chow said he expects the number to reach half a million by next year.

"The opening of this office is very meaningful, a milestone," said Chow, head of Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office or TECO.

"It comes right in time and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the flourishing bilateral relations in tourism. It symbolizes continued growth, partnership, friendship and boundless potentials."

The influx of Filipino tourists to Taiwan can be attributed to the Taipei government's visa-free policy for the Philippines, which is being renewed annually since 2017.

Manila and Taipei have no formal diplomatic ties in deference to the One-China Policy.

Taiwan, a self-ruling democratic island which separated from mainland China in 1949, is represented in Manila by TECO, which acts as its de-facto embassy in the country. It's counterpart Philippine office in Taiwan is called MECO or Manila Economic and Cultural Office.

In recent years, Taiwan has launched a number of visa liberalization measures, specifically for Southeast Asia, which have resulted in a rapid increase of visitors.

Chow said tourism arrivals in Taiwan, which is two hours away from Manila by air, are now approaching pre-pandemic levels.

"Besides serving travelers, this center can also serve as a bridge not only for tourism, but also for bilateral business, education, and companies as well as individuals who are eager to explore and strengthen connection and collaboration across various sectors," he said.

The center is also offering workshops, customized travel itineraries across Taiwan and Mandarin language classes.

In the meantime, Chow said Taiwan has yet to decide if it will permanently grant visa-free status to Filipinos, saying its visa measures are under review until July 2025.

"If I"m the decision-maker I would say yes," said Chow, noting that Tawan officials need "to do an overall assessment' first.

Nevertheless, he said he is "optimistic" that visa-free entry for Filipinos would continue due to the steady rise of visitors from the Philippines.

"Taiwan has a lot to offer through this center. Whether it is exploring Taiwan's beautiful landscapes, cutting- edge ICT innovation, rich history and gastronomy, we are geared up and ready to share with you in every step you wish to make," Chow said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News