HK-Macao-Taiwan Travel Soars; Hong Kong Satellite TV Boosts Taiwan Tourism Promotion

▲ The Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel in Toucheng, Yilan, boasts a uniquely advantageous natural setting, offering views of Guishan Island. (Photo provided by Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel)

Reported by Tseng Ya-ling / Taipei

The number of tourists from Hong Kong and Macao visiting Taiwan has been increasing year by year, with growth exceeding 20% in 2012, reaching over one million visitors. Recently, the Ministry of the Interior announced that in the first half of 2013, the majority of inbound travelers to Taiwan — accounting for 51.9% — came from mainland China, including Hong Kong and Macao. To serve audiences in Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China, Hong Kong Satellite TV has stepped up its coverage of Taiwan tourism. As part of its initial collaboration with Eslite Shopping, one of the featured products is the Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel in Toucheng, Yilan — a property blessed with an exceptional location.

According to figures released by the Mainland Affairs Council in February this year, the number of visitors from Hong Kong and Macao to Taiwan exceeded one million for the first time in 2012, up more than 20% from 810,000 the previous year. Analysts attribute this mainly to the immense popularity of Taiwanese films such as "Cape No. 7" and "You Are the Apple of My Eye" in Hong Kong and Macao, along with the streamlining of travel procedures to Taiwan, sparking a “Taiwan craze” among Hong Kong and Macao residents.

▲ The “Rong Rong Garden” restaurant at the Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel features a well-preserved 300-year-old banyan tree. (Photo provided by Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel)

Zhang Zongyue, Vice President of Hong Kong Satellite TV and General Manager for Taiwan, pointed out that with more and more people from Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China showing an interest in Taiwan, Taiwan’s travel and food culture have become important content for Hong Kong Satellite TV. The station’s Taipei-based reporters regularly cover travel-related stories. For its first collaboration with Eslite Shopping, the focus is on tourism, particularly the popular Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel. A two-person package including one night’s stay and two meals will be promoted to audiences in Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China. Future plans also include continued collaboration with Eslite Group’s upcoming travel and food channel to provide even more information on Taiwan’s travel and cuisine, meeting audience demand.

Lei Jun, CEO of Eslite Marine Hot Spring Hotel, noted that among the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Lan Yang” in Yilan, two — “Sunrise at Guishan” and “Tides at Beiguan” — can be enjoyed right at the hotel. He expressed delight at the opportunity to introduce Taiwan’s rare seaside resort hotel to consumers across the Greater China region through the media platform of Hong Kong Satellite TV, all at an exceptionally attractive price.