Final Promise with Cancer-Stricken Mother & Heartwarming Legacy of Kinkaseki Mines: Voting Begins for Starry Inns' Touching Stories

Text/Compiled & Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network

 

The Tourism Bureau’s “Starry Inns 1+1” campaign to scout for hospitality stars has drawn enthusiastic participation from accommodation service providers nationwide since its launch, attracting 260,000 page views. Currently, 50 contestants are competing in the hotel and homestay categories, with some entering solo and others teaming up with colleagues who’ve shared tough times. Contestants range from mascots and Kennys, a singing dachshund at Kenting Haijing, to Jackie Chan performing at Shan Yue Village, twin-doctor homestay owners, an Indian executive chef, and even 3-year-old and 9-month-old kids joining the fray.

One standout is the heartwarming service story of Wu Jiaying, a special education student at Yilan’s Fengchunyuan, who, after a year of hard work, transitioned from backstage to frontline customer service. It proves that nothing is unachievable with determination. Another touching tale comes from Chienpeso, where staff honored a mother with terminal cancer on her final trip, playing her favorite song—Teresa Teng’s “I Only Care for You”—bringing tears to everyone. Also competing again is the owner of Yunshan Shui Homestay in Kinkaseki, last year’s winner of “Discover Heartfelt Stays.” Her submission video showcases the history and culture of Kinkaseki, the hardships and joys of running a homestay, and her efforts to revive the cable car by organizing community elders to weed and plant lilies to welcome tourists.

The “micro-service heartwarming moments” of “Starry Inns 1+1” are judged based on the 3 Micro F4 seven key criteria—Micro Service, Micro Sweetness, Micro Touching Moments, Most Passionate (Feeling), Most Distinctive (Face), Most Fun (Fun), and Most Stylish (Fashion). Contestants share their heartfelt stories of serving guests, the bittersweet challenges of handling difficult customers, and emotional moments like receiving gratitude gifts from travelers. Entries include a 3-minute video, 5 photos, and 700 words. Winners will enjoy stays at top-tier Taiwanese accommodations such as Silks Place, Chiaohsi Laohotel, Beitou Lishin Hotel, Ideal Resort, and The Old England, along with priority exposure on travel websites both domestically and internationally. The popular online vote is set to run for a month starting January 7, 2013 (102 in Taiwan’s calendar), selecting a Top 100 Stars list, followed by a professional jury choosing 30 Starry Inns. The “Starry Inns 1+1” results will be announced in April 2013. For details, visit the official campaign website: happystay.taiwan.net.tw.

 

 

● Extended Reading: Time Travel Back to the Golden Age of the Jinguashi Mines

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