Travel agency heads spill the secrets: Top 5 must-buy deals at major travel expos

▲ The travel fair is packed with information. (Photo / Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Reported by Reporter Yu Jiayun / Taipei

The ITF Taipei International Travel Fair draws many exhibitors annually, and among them, travel agencies receiving the most inquiries make up the majority of the event. Many attendees use the occasion to collect promotional offers from various agencies all in one place. But with so many brochures and deals, which ones are so good you’d regret not buying? And if you could only choose one, which should it be? This insider info you won’t find on the flyers is revealed by five travel agency heads with extensive marketing and travel experience.

▲ Booth of Southeast Travel at the travel fair. (Photo / Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Liao Yuchen, Deputy Manager of Marketing & Planning at Southeast Travel
In recent years, Taiwanese travelers have developed a strong passion for Japan, and Liao Yuchen highly recommends the Okinawa 4-Day Free & Easy Tour. Originally priced at NT$10,800 online during the travel fair, you can save NT$1,000 on-site—bringing the price under NT$10,000 (tax included). Stay three nights at a city hotel in Naha, fly round-trip with China Airlines, enjoy a comfortable journey from takeoff to check-in, and still have money left over for souvenirs.

Chen Yinghao, Senior Specialist at Canxing Travel
Beyond the deals listed on the brochures, Chen Yinghao also strongly recommends a hidden gem: an ultra-affordable Macau 3-Day 2-Night Free & Easy Tour. Tied into the travel fair theme “Travel Hand in Hand,” it’s offered at just NT$1,798 (before tax)—stay at a 4- or 5-star hotel in Macau, plus get a free ticket to the Broadway Magic Show. Tax included, the total comes to under NT$5,000, making it perfect for a spontaneous trip.

▲ Canxing Travel has some hidden deals. (Photo / Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Li Zirong, Marketing & Planning Manager at Wufu Travel
Who says you need NT$50,000 to go to New York? When it comes to must-buy deals at the travel fair, Li Zirong highly recommends the New York 6-Day Mini Trip. Originally starting from NT$39,900, it’s now NT$10,000 off at the fair, starting from just NT$29,900. In addition to visiting iconic NYC sights, you can also shop to your heart’s content at the famous WOODBURY OUTLET—making your Big Apple dream come true.

Chen Yanrong, Deputy Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Lion Travel
If you can only pick one itinerary from the many options, Chen Yanrong recommends the currently trending European tour. The Netherlands, Belgium, and France 8-Day Tour is originally NT$47,900, but at the travel fair, it’s a flat NT$37,900—save NT$10,000. Spend three nights in romantic Paris and enjoy a scenic cruise with breathtaking views. Departure dates are available through March next year.

Huang Liwen, Marketing & Planning Team at Cola Travel
Huang Liwen highly recommends long-haul trips—you can explore Northern Europe for less than NT$70,000. Discover three Nordic countries including Norway’s fjords and Denmark’s castles, plus ride a scenic train to take in the views along the way. The original price for this nearly NT$90,000 journey is just NT$66,988 (tax included) at the travel fair—a NT$20,000 saving that’s an incredible deal.