Taipei International Travel Fair kicks off for 5 days—vacation without leaving the country, Penghu for just NT$6,000 for 4 days

▲ The 2017 Taipei International Tourism Expo kicks off on May 5.

Reported and photographed by Yu Jiayun / Taipei.

The largest international travel fair in Taiwan during the first half of the year, the “TTE Taipei International Tourism Expo,” celebrates its 11th anniversary. It will take place from May 5 to May 8 at the World Trade Center Hall 1. This year, over 25 countries and regions, 50 major travel agencies and airlines, 200 branded hotels and amusement parks, totaling 460 travel-related businesses, will gather to offer a wide range of domestic and international travel promotions on food, drinks, entertainment, and accommodation, helping consumers plan their trips for the second half of the year.

▲ The expo features a variety of unbeatable deals.

Who says you have to go abroad for a vacation? Even Taiwan’s outlying islands can offer an island holiday experience. EasyCard Travel is launching its first-ever 4-day Penghu flight-and-hotel package with free travel, featuring an exclusive Sheraton seafood BBQ experience where guests can enjoy a BBQ outdoors at the hotel while taking in the nighttime scenery—like a true island holiday. The 4-day, 3-night package also includes a 48-hour scooter rental starting from just NT$5,990. There's also a 2-day Circle Star Hualien Meilun Spin Car free travel package, with an additional night’s stay for just NT$199 per person (starting from NT$2,990).

From May to August, the blue tears phenomenon in Matsu is at its peak. Wufu Travel is promoting a 4-day tour covering both Beigan and Nangan for a minimum of NT$8,000, including stops at Qishan Viewing Platform, Minnan-style ancient houses in Beimen, Matsu Distillery, Bay Bay Tunnel, and a nighttime search for the blue tears. There’s also a guided 3-day group tour in Matsu for groups of six or more. EVA Air’s direct-operated travel agency, Long In Travel (EVA Air’s official travel arm), has reserved flight seats and specially launched a 3-day itinerary for just NT$6,999.

Then in May, the whole island is perfect for cherry blossom viewing and firefly chasing. The Miaoli County Government, along with industry operators, is promoting family-friendly firefly tours. Southeast Travel is also offering a 53% discount, with a 1-day cherry blossom viewing tour originally priced at NT$1,299 now available at the expo for just NT$699.

▲ Every year from May to October is the season for the blue tears in Matsu.

The Sand Sculpture Festival, which began in 2008, is celebrating its 10th edition in 2017. From May 6 to July 9, it will be held along the northeast coast from Yenliao to Fulong. The Taiwan Sightseeing Bus Association is offering a one-day tour of the Golden Coast sand sculptures in the northeast, with the second person going for just NT$10 on weekdays (effectively making it NT$505 for two people). A Farglory Resort & Spa combined accommodation voucher for one is NT$2,454, and three vouchers (NT$7,362) allow you to stay for two nights at the exquisite Japanese-Western fusion rooms at Fulong Store on the northeast coast (original price NT$23,760).

Eastern Travel is offering a 3-day single-person tour to Kinmen’s only five-star hotel, Hengchang Golden Lake Hotel, with no extra charge regardless of departure city (North, Central, or South) for NT$6,980, and an additional NT$1,000 discount for the second person on specified dates. For those who love sunny days and lively fun, there's a 4-day single-person Penghu tour for NT$5,980, with no extra charge for the Fireworks Festival, and an additional NT$1,000 discount for the second person on specified dates.

To celebrate its 11th anniversary, the travel fair is launching the ‘1+1 Happy Journey’ campaign: for example, a grand prize draw is held daily, giving away round-trip flights for two people—with one winner allowing two to travel together for free to destinations such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Macau. On the opening day, Friday, May 5, 300 free lucky bags will be given away, and the grand prize has been upgraded to two round-trip tickets to Japan. Additionally, in collaboration with the National Travel Card for the first time, civil servants holding the card can enjoy free entry before 12:00 PM, saving NT$200 on the ticket.