Post-visa waiver surge in U.S. visits: Tang Jingyi says Taiwan is among top four fastest-growing tourist source markets

Reported by You T-Ru / Special report & photography

With the U.S. visa waiver program in place, traveling to the U.S. has become easier for Taiwanese visitors. “The future growth of Taiwanese tourists visiting the U.S. is expected to be quite promising,” said Tang Jingyi, president of the U.S. Tourism Promotion Association. The implementation of the U.S. visa waiver policy, coupled with the growing travel culture in Taiwan in recent years, has led to a significant increase in independent travelers from Taiwan. Compared to the past when group tours dominated, “more and more Taiwanese are opting for in-depth travel experiences in the U.S.”


▲ Tang Jingyi, President of the U.S. Tourism Promotion Association

The U.S. government recently released a list of the top 20 countries expected to visit the U.S. from 2014 to 2018. Thanks to the visa waiver effect, Taiwan ranked 20th. Tang Jingyi noted that the growth rate of Taiwanese tourists traveling to the U.S. is second only to China, Colombia, and India, making Taiwan the fourth fastest-growing source market. “Between January and June this year, the number of Taiwanese visitors to the U.S. has already increased by 12% compared to last year.” In 2013, over 360,000 Taiwanese visited the U.S., an increase of about 35% compared to 2012. It is expected that by 2015, the number will reach 585,000, potentially moving Taiwan up to 18th place.

The growth in U.S. tourism has also driven domestic job creation in the U.S. Tang Jingyi stated that due to efforts to boost tourism, the U.S. has created 8 million new jobs. The U.S. government is also working to improve the tourism environment and provide more detailed services for travelers. Automated passport control systems for visa waiver countries have been introduced at airports across the U.S., and Taiwanese visitors can expect even more convenient facilities in the future.

Tang Jingyi mentioned that when Taiwanese travel to the U.S., their primary destinations are usually in the American West, with group tours or independent travel to cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas being key offerings promoted by most travel agencies. The Northeastern U.S., including New York and Washington, D.C., comes next. “We hope to see more travelers engaging in in-depth tourism,” Tang said. In the future, the focus will be on promoting lesser-known cities among Taiwanese, such as Houston, Chicago, and Miami, continuing to showcase the diversity of American culture and history to attract more Taiwanese visitors.


▲ Tang Jingyi noted that the U.S. has created 8 million new jobs due to efforts to boost tourism.

Regarding the top three activities of Taiwanese visitors to the U.S., Tang Jingyi analyzed that they are shopping, sightseeing, and food tasting, highlighting the considerable spending power of Taiwanese tourists. To promote themed travel packages in the U.S. and leverage American tourism resources, the American Institute in Taiwan and the U.S. Tourism Promotion Association jointly launched the fourth edition of “My American Dream Vacation.” This season’s focus is on “honeymoon travel,” showcasing romantic destinations, wedding photo spots, and marriage-related venues across the U.S.

“My American Dream Vacation” is divided into four main themes, allowing partners to introduce featured attractions and activities each season. In summer 2014, the theme was “honeymoon travel”; from October to December, it shifted to student travel; from January to March 2015, it focused on business travel; and from April to June, family travel took center stage, each with its own unique attractions and activities.