Essential Read Before Traveling: The Strictly Selected List of 28 Golden Quality Travel Awards Announced

▲Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Weijun presents the Golden Award trophy to the winning travel agency. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong, same below)

By Chen Ruizhong, Taipei

The Republic of China Tourism Quality Assurance Association (TQAA) today announced 28 golden quality travel itineraries, covering entry into Taiwan as well as popular regional travel routes across the island. In addition to rewarding travel agencies that design these itineraries, the list also provides valuable references for travelers planning their trips.

This year, a total of 89 travel itineraries participated in the selection process. After evaluation by representatives from the TQAA, the Tourism Bureau, various national tourism organizations, and industry professionals, 3 domestic travel itineraries, 5 inbound travel itineraries, and 20 outbound travel itineraries were selected. Criteria such as itinerary features, innovation, route content, and tour cost reasonableness were all taken into account during the selection.

▲Scene from the Golden Award awards ceremony.

Tourism Bureau Director-General Xie Weijun stated that the Golden Award itineraries are not only a brand for tourism but also a guarantee of quality. He also expressed hope that more inbound travel itineraries to Taiwan will be added next year. TQAA Chairman Xu Jinrui mentioned that the Golden Quality Travel program has entered its fourth year, and this year’s winners will also be among the most important itineraries for next year.

▲Operators who won for their 10-day India itinerary put on a costume show on stage.

This year, the 5-day “Luxury Sea Paradise Villa” itinerary in Vietnam, launched by 11 travel agencies including Hualai Vietnam, won the Golden Award in the Southeast Asia category. Lin Ying-ming, General Manager of Golden Dragon Travel Group Department, said this itinerary emphasizes great food and accommodation. In addition to cruising on the Paradise cruise ship, travelers can also experience a variety of Vietnamese local cuisines and cultures. PinGuang Travel Agency, which won for their 5-day homestay experience in Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, said this is the only group itinerary in Taiwan that allows visitors to stay in Gassho Village, along with experiencing multiple distinctive hot spring hotels. The small-group format also makes the itinerary more refined.

▲The Golden Awards gather evaluations from industry, government, and academic professionals to ensure quality for consumers.

The TQAA also stated that besides requiring high-quality itineraries, Golden Quality Travel also demands transparency and clarity in itinerary details. Through the concept of “you get what you pay for,” it ensures that group travelers can enjoy a higher level of service quality.

2015 Golden Quality Travel Award Winning Itineraries:
【Domestic Travel Category】
Enjoy Kenting. By: WeiXiang Travel Agency
Kenting Secrets. Taste Adventure: Fancy Free Travel Agency
Double B Island Round-Tour: YouYou Travel Agency

【Inbound Travel Category】
【Mainland China to Taiwan】
Taiwan Super Fun – Love of Mountain and Sea Views: Lishih International Travel Agency
Authentic Taiwan Tour – Exploring Indigenous Culture and Taiwanese Heritage: Tongxing Travel Agency

【Southeast Asia to Taiwan】
Ladies’ Package Six-Day Tour: Eastern Airlines Travel Agency

【Europe, America, New Zealand, Australia to Taiwan】
Medical Beauty & Health Check Package Five-Day Tour: Han Travel Agency
Tea Culture Day Tour (Maokong Thousand Island Lake Tea Culture Trip): Feiya Travel Agency

【Outbound Travel Category】
【Mainland China & Hong Kong/Macao】
Fortune China ~ Zhangjiajie & Tianmen Divine Land Premium 8-Day: Wufu Travel Agency
Golden Phoenix - Jiangnan Style 5 Days: Yongli Enterprise Co., Ltd.

【Northeast Asia Region】
Fairy Tale Hometown ~ Shirakawa-go Gassho Village Homestay & Hot Spring Experience (5 Days): PinGuang International Travel Agency
Explore Shikoku ~ Setouchi Sea Art Island-Hopping Tour to Naoshima & Shodoshima (4 Days): Ximei Travel Agency
Leisurely Stroll in Yufuin, Stay at Risonare Kushima “Sky’s Inn” (5 Days): Pacific Travel Agency　

【Southeast Asia Region】
Fantastic Drift @ Hanoi, Halong Bay, Seaside Luxury & Cave Dinner (5 Days): PinGuang International Travel Agency
China Airlines [Hua Li Vietnam] Top-Tier Sea Paradise Villa (5 Days): Shangshun, China Times, Yongsheng, INJA, Liangyou, Ideal, Triumph, Xiongfeng, Phoenix International, Qingze, Fenghua – 11 Agencies Celebrate Youth – Those Were the Days We Went Together\Grab Zhenhao Fu Lu Story Travel/p>

【Americas Region】
Canada Rockies Glacier Skywalk (10 Days): Ideal Travel Agency
Alaska ‘Aurora Train: Encounter the Light of the Elves’ (11 Days): Triumph Travel Agency
US & NZ Bay of Plenty (10 Days) ~ San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon (incl. mid-journey flight): Xin’an Travel Agency

【New Zealand, Australia & Oceania Region】
Premium New Zealand North & South Islands – 5 Great National Parks, Fjords & Glacier Cruise (12 Days): Xiangqu Travel Agency

【Central & South Asia Region】
India Classic Tour (10 Days): Royal International American Express Travel Agency

【Central, Western & Southern Europe Region】
Italy’s Sky City? Colorful Island? Two Michelin Stars? Three High-Speed Rails (9 Days): Phoenix International Travel Agency
Italian Love Story ~ Italy (13 Days): Chengxiang American Express Travel Agency

【Eastern Europe & Russia Region】
Adriatic Wonderland Tour (12 Days) ~ Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania: Xin’an Travel Agency
Charming Islamic Mostar – Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina (4 Countries, 14 Days): Qingtian International Travel Agency

【Africa Region】
Royal Cities, Ancient Capitals, Sahara ~ Magical & Mysterious Morocco Full Tour (14 Days): Qingtian International Travel Agency

【Middle East & West Asia Region】
Premium Dubai ~ Burj Al Arab & Emirates Palace Luxury 8-Day Tour: 21st Century Travel Agency
Meet Mount Nemrut & Cross Turkey (13 Days): Kaili Travel Agency