Summer's biggest travel fair goes on without the Philippines; Honduras steps up to promote domestic tourism

▲ Three sexy models at the pre-event press conference for the summer’s biggest travel fair, posing with cookies shaped like Taipei 101. (Photo / Reporter Zhu [name obscured])

Reporter Zhu [name obscured], Taipei News

The summer's largest travel exhibition, the "2013 Taipei International Tourism Expo," will be held from May 24 to 27. A pre-event press conference was held on the 15th. Xu [name obscured], chairman of the Taipei Travel Agents Association, stated that due to the current tensions with the Philippines, they have decided to avoid any potential conflicts. In light of increased interest in travel to Sri Lanka, they have decided to cancel the six booths originally planned for the Philippine travel industry.

% [Name obscured] Travel industry executive said that the biggest highlight of this expo is the diverse options outside of the Philippines, with many other destinations to explore. (Photo / Reporter Zhu [name obscured])

The summer’s biggest travel fair will kick off on May 24 and run for four consecutive days at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1. Ding Lai, CEO of the Taipei International Tourism Expo, said this year’s event has reached its highest scale in six years, expanding to include 500 exhibitors and 1,100 booths—an increase of 30% over last year. “Not only are domestic travel packages being offered at up to 80% discounts, but this year we’ve also added a food and gift zone for the first time, as well as an ‘OTOP’ (One Town One Product) themed pavilion. There are also many unique exhibitors. We hope the public won’t just go to the Philippines, but will also check out other fun destinations.”

This year’s summer travel fair features the largest scale in its history, with domestic travel deals starting at up to 80% off. Various businesses are offering special promotions on meal vouchers, accommodation coupons, and more. This year also sees the first-ever addition of a gift and food specialty area, inviting popular group-buying food vendors to join in—offering delicious food and drinks, plus great deals. Internationally, the Macau Tourism Board, a long-time exhibitor, has applied for 36 booths this year. Exhibitors in the U.S. Pavilion are also riding the visa-waiver wave, launching a variety of attractive travel products. Ding Lai said, “This year not only do we have expanded booths, but we’ve also added many new themed pavilions, such as the U.S. Pavilion, Hong Kong Pavilion, Macau Pavilion, and a dedicated gift zone. The domestic section has also introduced a five-star special area. We hope to not only bring in international offerings, but also use this opportunity to help boost the flourishing of Taiwan’s own domestic tourism industry.”

% [Name obscured] Travel industry pundit said that as long as you pick the right package, traveling domestically can be just as enjoyable. (Photo / Reporter Zhu [name obscured])

Ding Lai stated that due to the recent incident where a Philippine government vessel shot and killed Taiwanese fishermen, and in consideration of national interests as well as avoiding potential conflicts, the organizers proactively negotiated with the Philippine Department of Tourism. As a result, the Philippine Department of Tourism and participating businesses decided to cancel their six planned booths. Entertainer Honduras also appeared on-site to cheer on domestic tourism, dressed casually in a baseball cap, holding a swimming ring, and wearing a flashy Hawaiian shirt and beach shorts—fully geared up for a great time. He was eyeing the deep discounts offered by exhibitors and even remarked that he wanted to see which business offered the best and boldest deals.