Taiwan International Travel Fair Opens on the 29th – Thailand Offers Limited-Time Visa Exemption, Save Up to NT$7,101

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

The 2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair will take place from August 29 to September 1 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. It brings together top domestic travel agencies, foreign tourist offices in Taiwan, local governments, hotels, homestays, and food/souvenir businesses to present top travel itineraries and affordable travel deals. This year’s fair gathers over 100 well-known exhibitors across nearly 500 booths. In 2013, the four-day event attracted 161,472 visitors, and this year the turnout is expected to exceed 180,000.

Organized by the Taipei Travel Agents Association, which has been operating for 44 years and is the largest of its kind, the 2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair continues the summer travel boom (TTE). It unites over 100 domestic and international travel agencies, hotels, hot spring lodges, resorts, food, and souvenir vendors to offer unbeatable discounts. The fair features five main zones: Global Travel, Domestic Travel, Resort Hotels, Tourism Factories, and Local Specialties.

%strong>2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair. (Photo / Provided by organizer)


Win a Free 200,000 NTD Island Getaway:
The “Foreign Tourist Offices in Taiwan Association (ANTOR),” a coalition of 14 international tourist offices worldwide, is participating in the Taiwan International Travel Fair for the first time. To mark its 20th anniversary, ANTOR is recruiting “super agents” in Taiwan to promote the beauty of the world.

The travel agent roles cover three island destinations: Thailand’s popular Koh Samui, the Philippines’ trending Palawan, and Saipan, known as America’s best-kept secret garden. Each trip is valued at 200,000 NTD and includes a five-day in-depth experience. Creative individuals in Taiwan can apply to become travel bloggers for these exciting getaways. Just submit a 30-second creative self-introduction video. After screening by the tourist offices, 14 finalists will be selected, and 5 winners with the most public votes will become super agents. Upon returning, they will share three travel blogs and videos, and may also have the chance to explore other ANTOR member countries for a global adventure.

Thailand Offers Limited-Time Visa Exemption, Travel Agents Unveil Big Savings – Up to NT$7,101 Off:
To rekindle travelers' interest in visiting Thailand, and with the political situation now stable, the Thai government is offering a waiver on tourist visa fees. From now until November 8, travelers to Thailand can save NT$1,200 on visa fees, and even those opting for visa-on-arrival will enjoy exemption from the THB 1,000 fee. To complement this, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Taipei Office, in partnership with Phoenix Tours, is launching the “Bangkok 5-Day 4-Night Luxury Free & Easy Tour” at the 2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair. For two travelers, enjoy four nights at Bangkok’s trendy five-star W Hotel, originally priced at NT$23,900, now available for just NT$18,999 (tax included). Register at the fair to get an additional NT$1,000 discount.

For group travelers, Phoenix Tours offers the “Lifestyle Thai Explorer – Bangkok & Pattaya SPA 5-Day Tour” starting from just NT$14,999 (excluding airport tax). The package includes stays at selected Centara four-star hotels, visits to Green Mountain Zoo, the Four Regions Floating Market, and the highly rated Mimosa French Village. It’s perfect for families. There are also herbal foot spa massages and traditional Thai massages to help travelers unwind and enjoy a relaxing holiday.

Five Must-See Deals at the 2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair:
1. First-Ever “Draw Prizes Upon Entry” – Register online in advance, then visit the prize booth upon entry to join the lucky draw. Prizes include 80 round-trip flights to various countries (Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Japan...), accommodation vouchers, hot spring coupons, meal vouchers, souvenirs, surprise gifts, and more – over 150,000 prizes up for grabs.

2. Free Gift with Entry – Show your pre-sale or on-site ticket and receive a free gift upon entry for the first 300 visitors each day. One gift per person, while supplies last.

3. Free Shuttle Bus – During the exhibition period, a free shuttle bus runs every 15–20 minutes from Taipei City Hall MRT Station.

4. Grand Opening on August 29 (Fri) – 200 Lucky Bags Given Away – Pre-sale ticket holders can join the lucky bag giveaway at 10:00 AM on opening day, August 29 (Fri). Prizes may include round-trip flights to Japan, flights within Taiwan and China, lodging at Beitou Lisi or Guanxiang Century Hotels, and lunch/dinner vouchers at Grand Hyatt’s Cafe Kafé. Line up at the designated area next to the ticket redemption booth from 9:50 AM to receive a number. Limited to 200 people, one per person, first come first served.

5. Real-Time Deals via Exclusive APP – Download the free dedicated app for instant travel deals and an interactive fair map to help you navigate without getting lost.