The Taoyuan City Tourism and Travel Bureau has pioneered Taiwan’s first online travel service platform, “Explore Taoyuan Freely.” Over the past year, it has developed 53 travel itineraries and attracted 3,304 travelers. To celebrate its first anniversary, the bureau has launched seasonally limited travel packages that combine the beauty of Longtan’s lupine flowers, Dayuan’s purple sweet potato festival, and the Taoyuan Agricultural Expo. Additionally, it has issued a call to travel writers to share their experiences and hidden gems in Taoyuan. By accumulating popularity, participants can win great prizes such as NT$5,000 accommodation vouchers.
“Explore Taoyuan Freely” is Taiwan’s first online travel service platform established by a local government. It allows travelers to book and explore Taoyuan 24/7. By integrating major events in Taoyuan, the platform also hosts festive tourism activities. Over the past year, it has successfully attracted visitors from New Taipei and Taipei for one-day trips, with up to 70% of participants coming from these two areas—especially from New Taipei. Most prefer one-day tours and family-friendly packages priced around NT$1,000, with a satisfaction rate of 70%.
According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, activity-based travel itineraries have been very popular, often selling out quickly. This year, the bureau continues to develop related packages for seasonal events hosted by the city government, such as combining Dayuan’s purple sweet potato experience with sweet potato digging, radish pulling, succulent plant DIY workshops, and dairy farm fresh milk bun making. For the Agricultural Expo starting in April, nine mini-trips have been introduced. These include a two-day trip to the “Xinxikou Suspension Bridge,” the longest suspension bridge in Taiwan, which opened earlier this year, or strolling along the wisteria-lined trails in May, and visiting the Taoluo Sand Dunes, known as Taiwan’s version of the Sahara Desert. All packages include meals, activities, and transportation, with one-day tours available for under NT$1,000. The public is welcome to browse and book online.
In response to the rise of the influencer era—where everyone can be a travel expert—the Tourism and Travel Bureau has launched the “Explore Taoyuan Freely, I’ll Show You Around” Travel Guide Popularity Awards. A call has gone out to travel influencers to submit URLs of their published travel articles on personal social media platforms via the Explore Taoyuan Freely registration page. From April 9 to 30, the public can vote online, and the top three most popular entries will receive prizes such as resort hotel accommodation vouchers. Winners can also join advance exploration tours. Registration is open now until April 5. Influencers are encouraged to share their hidden itineraries and scenic spots to help uncover the beautiful secrets of Taoyuan.
(China Times)