Written/Compiled and Reported by Wei Ruyu
The “East Coast Travel Enthusiast Recruitment Campaign,” which received an enthusiastic response from visitors last year, will also be continued in 2012 by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC. The 2011 New Year's Day Sunrise Event at Sanxiantai was the first route planned under the “East Coast Travel Enthusiast Recruitment Campaign.” Visitors only need to take a selfie in front of the campaign backdrop and upload it to the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration’s “Recruitment for the Second East Coast Travel Enthusiasts Campaign” website to earn points for one certified route.
Janet (third from right), the winner of the 2011 Golden Bell Award for Best Host in a Travel Program, and Zhang Shitang (bottom left) from the sixth season of One Million Star, are the spokespersons for this East Coast Travel Enthusiast Campaign event. (Photo provided by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC)
To allow all travelers who love Eastern Taiwan to become East Coast Travel Enthusiasts, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has expanded the number of campaign routes from 11 this year to 15. In addition to events organized by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration itself, activities hosted by Hualien County Government, Taitung County Government, and Taitung City Government have also been included. Therefore, as long as visitors upload their activity photos to the campaign’s official website and download the East Coast mobile app before the end of October 2012, they will earn one point. The East Coast National Scenic Area Administration will tally the top 600 participants who have completed the most routes and award them the “Honorary Friend of the East Coast Card,” symbolizing the highest honor.
The “Honorary Friend of the East Coast Card” is valid for three years. In addition to a cash value gift (the first 100 cards come with a NT$5,000 credit, and the next 500 with a NT$500 credit), the card also grants access to special discount offers from 20 businesses in Eastern Taiwan and Green Island, including discounted flights and car rentals between Taitung and Taipei; a 50% discount and automatic upgrade to a presidential suite when staying at the Tonmao Grand Hotel in Zhiben Hot Spring area of Taitung, and complimentary chauffeur service plus two luxury dinners when staying at the Lalu Sun Moon Lake Resort; a NT$700 discount on the day’s rate at the East Coast Public Service Holiday Hotel, plus free tickets for a whale and dolphin watching tour and the Clownfish Museum. Other accommodations such as the Funo Leisure Hot Spring Resort, Kangqiao Hotel, and Fukang Hotel, among 12 others, also offer exclusive and valuable deals!
In addition, from now until December 31st, guests who stay at any of the 17 hot spring accommodations in Taitung County (Zhiben, Green Island, Luye, East Coast region) and Hualien County (Antong) will receive a gift box of three navel oranges. Limited quantity available, while supplies last.
Navel oranges from Sanxiantai in Chenggong Township, Taitung, are a unique local fruit!(Photo provided by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC)
For more details about the campaign, please visit traveling.eastcoast-nsa.gov.tw/sunup/east.html