Tainan Tourism Gains International Recognition as Zaijiaojiao Salt Fields Win PATA Gold Award

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwanese tourist attractions have once again caught international attention. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards recently announced the winners of various 2017 categories, with the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area winning the “Environmental Conservation – Environmental Education Program” gold award for the “Zaijiaojiao Tile-Pond Salt Fields,” marking the highest recognition and encouragement for Taiwan’s 2017 Ecotourism Year.

This year, a total of 77 organizations submitted 220 entries competing for 29 gold awards and 4 grand prizes across seven categories: Marketing, Environmental Conservation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cultural & Natural Heritage, Education & Training, Media & Publications, and Travel Journalism. The “Zaijiaojiao Tile-Pond Salt Fields” were designated as a historic building in 2009, received environmental education facility certification in 2015, and trained two staff members who passed the Environmental Protection Administration’s Environmental Education Personnel Certification in 2016. These achievements elevated the traditional salt industry from a primary sector to a quintuple industry incorporating cultural heritage preservation, environmental education, ecology, and experiential tourism.

The “Zaijiaojiao Tile-Pond Salt Fields” are the oldest and most intact salt fields remaining in Taiwan. Proximity to the Beimen Wetlands has created rich biodiversity, making it a vital winter habitat for migratory birds while also possessing unique historical significance. The tile-pond salt fields are especially distinctive due to their mosaic-like appearance, formed by assembling broken tiles in the crystallization ponds for salt drying, creating a unique cultural landscape. The Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Scenic Area combines local religious culture and natural scenery to host annual events such as the “Peaceful Salt Festival” and the “Zaijiaojiao Sunset Ceremony,” both of which are must-see annual events integrating culture, landscape, and heartfelt blessings.

The Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is not only committed to optimizing the tourism environment but also emphasizes the balance between tourism and local ecology. Through environmental education, it helps both domestic and international visitors understand Taiwan’s land and history. By collaborating with private enterprises, the Bureau enhances tourism quality and builds bridges through participation in various international organizations. These efforts have earned Taiwan international recognition for its tourism development initiatives, keeping Taiwan shining on the global stage and strengthening its reputation as a top travel destination.