Summer Carnival to Be Held in Kaohsiung with Hotel Discounts up to 55% Off

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

After receiving a positive public response, the summer tourism campaign brand – Taiwan Summer Solstice 235, this year (2014), is focusing on international marketing with the concept of “The Emerald on the Tropic of Cancer – Taiwan.” By combining elements such as coolness, tranquility, and energy-saving summer activities, the campaign has expanded to include over 30 tourism and recreational events organized by six national scenic area administrations including the East Coast National Scenic Area, Huatung Valley National Scenic Area, Alishan National Scenic Area, Siraya National Scenic Area, Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area, and Penghu National Scenic Area, as well as eight county and city governments including Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, Chiayi City, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Hualien County, and Taitung County. The events are once again integrated and marketed under the “2014 Taiwan Summer Solstice 235” series brand.


▲ The summer tourism campaign brand – Taiwan Summer Solstice 235 is launched. (Photo provided by the Tourism Bureau)

The main highlight of the “2014 Taiwan Summer Solstice 235” series is the Summer Carnival to be held on June 28 and 29 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center and Shin Kong Park. Taiwan Summer Solstice 235 is an international summer tourism series launched by the Tourism Bureau following the spring Taiwan Lantern Festival, the autumn Taiwan Bicycle Festival, and the winter Taiwan Hot Springs & Gourmet Carnival, utilizing the “spatial axis – the Tropic of Cancer” and the “temporal axis – the summer solstice.”

This year marks the first time that the main event of Taiwan Summer Solstice 235 is being held in Kaohsiung. The primary goal is to promote “Taiwan Summer Solstice 235” from an international tourism marketing perspective, showcasing Taiwan’s summer diversity with its cool cuisine, unique events, and beautiful attractions. Therefore, for the first time, the Summer Carnival is being held in the port city of Kaohsiung. The event site not only features a creative grass jelly zone showcasing the top five grass jelly shops in a friendly competition, but also the Tropic of Cancer Cool Street, which gathers distinctive ice treats from along the Tropic of Cancer — from cactus ice in Penghu to honey black tea in the Huatung Valley — bringing together the most unique frozen delights from various regions.

In addition, Taiwanese tour bus operators have launched special summer-only group discounts, offering one free trip for every four people. Hoteliers in the Kaohsiung area have also introduced a special 235 Summer Accommodation Promotion, with room rates discounted by as much as 55%. The “Grass Jelly Showdown” event, which began accepting online votes on May 21, has so far attracted nearly 35,000 voters. Currently leading the vote is Tainan’s Buddha Land Grass Jelly with their osmanthus pineapple grass jelly, while You Jian Ice Shop ranks second with their mango-flavored grass jelly. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Bureau invites the public to vote online for their favorite creative grass jelly dish and stand a chance to win great prizes such as an iPad mini or attractive travel packages.