The most captivating city in the U.S. is San Francisco — Tsai Pi-ju: Hoping to showcase California’s charm

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature

After three years of planning and preparation, the California Tourism Board officially appointed AVIAREPS to establish a Taiwan office, which officially launched on July 1 to promote tourism in Taiwan. As a key destination in the U.S., Tsai Pi-ju, representative of the California Tourism Board, said that California boasts numerous iconic American attractions and hopes to help more Taiwanese travelers discover the state.


▲ Tsai Pi-ju, representative of the California Tourism Board. (Photo / Provided by the California Tourism Board)

As a major gateway to the U.S., California is especially popular among Taiwanese travelers for cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Tsai Pi-ju pointed out that the reason the California Tourism Board set up an office in Taiwan is because of the quality and quantity of Taiwanese travelers. The first step is to collaborate with local travel agencies in Taiwan to deepen public understanding of California, and she hopes more travelers will explore not just the big cities but also surrounding attractions.

Tsai Pi-ju said she previously worked in a travel agency for seven and a half years, progressing from sales to supervisor, manager, and then assistant general manager. “Considering the promotional aspect while also meeting customer needs is truly not easy.” She hopes to align with the tourism board’s promotional goals and encourage travelers to book trips. Tsai Pi-ju noted, “Tourism professionals are the most flexible and sensitive; they must always be attuned to market demand.” Although classic Western U.S. itineraries are currently selling well, she still hopes to bring travelers closer to the tourism experience.

Tsai Pi-ju recalled that during her previous work, she led a youth study tour group to San Francisco for three weeks, and every day she and the group members would think of a new attraction to visit. “I remember vividly that even though we went to a different place every day for three weeks, there were still many attractions we didn’t get to see.” As an important cultural capital of the U.S., San Francisco is considered by many to be the most beautiful city, filled with hidden gems waiting for travelers to uncover — and that’s what makes it so charming.

Tsai Pi-ju recommends that visitors to San Francisco check out Alcatraz Island, the Giants, and Napa Valley wineries. Alcatraz, once a prison, is unique for its architectural features and atmospheric vibe. The Giants offer fans the chance to experience the excitement of a live baseball game. “That uniquely American game-day atmosphere is an important part of the culture.” There’s also Napa Valley, just a one-hour drive from downtown San Francisco. Tsai Pi-ju says travelers can stay at various winery hotels, sample fine wines, and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of the region.

As another major U.S. destination, Los Angeles offers more than just national parks for hiking and outdoor activities, Tsai Pi-ju points out. Travelers can also visit key theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. Tsai Pi-ju said she has been to Disney parks around the world, but still finds Disneyland in Los Angeles to be uniquely vibrant and full of energy. Coupled with Universal Studios, where you can explore real Hollywood film sets, and the addition of the Harry Potter-themed area in 2016, “Turning the seemingly unreachable into something everyone can experience is the charm of the American West.”