Tainan Tourism Gains International Recognition – Zhi’ajiao Salt Field Wins PATA Gold Award

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Taiwanese tourist attractions have once again caught international attention. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards recently announced the winners of various gold awards for 2017. The Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Coastal National Scenic Area won the “Environmental Conservation Category – Environmental Education Program” gold award with its “Zhi’ajiao Tile-Pond Salt Field,” marking the highest recognition and encouragement for Taiwan’s 2017 Eco-Tourism Year.

This year, a total of 77 organizations submitted 220 entries competing for 29 gold awards and 4 grand prizes. The awards were divided into seven categories: Marketing, Environmental Conservation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cultural and Natural Heritage, Education and Training, Marketing Media, and Travel Journalism. The “Zhi’ajiao Tile-Pond Salt Field” was designated as a historic building in 2009, obtained certification as an environmental education facility in 2015, and trained two personnel who passed the Environmental Protection Administration’s Environmental Education Personnel Certification in 2016. This elevated the traditional salt-farming industry from a primary sector to a quintuple sector encompassing cultural heritage preservation, environmental education, ecology, and experiential tourism.

The “Zhi’ajiao Tile-Pond Salt Field” is the oldest and most intact salt field still in existence in Taiwan. Due to its proximity to the Beimen Wetlands, the area boasts rich ecology and is not only a must-visit spot for winter migratory birds, but also holds unique significance and historical importance. Particularly, the tile-pond salt fields feature a mosaic-like aesthetic formed by piecing together broken tiles in the salt-crystallizing ponds, creating a distinct cultural landscape. The Yunlin-Kaohsiung-Tainan Scenic Area combines local religious culture and natural scenery by hosting annual events such as the “Peaceful Salt Festival” and the “Zhi’ajiao Sunset Send-off,” making them unforgettable annual tourism highlights that blend culture, landscape, and blessings.

The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications is dedicated not only to optimizing the tourism environment but also to balancing tourism with local ecology. Through environmental education, it helps both domestic and international visitors learn about our land and history. In collaboration with private enterprises, it enhances tourism quality and builds bridges through participation in various international organizations. These efforts have earned Taiwan international recognition for its work and progress in tourism development, allowing Taiwan to continue shining on the global stage and building a strong reputation for Taiwanese tourism.
 

Tainan Isn’t Just About Food—Check Out Four Stunning Coastal Attractions: Pristine Beaches & Breathtaking Sunsets

» http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=15747