TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taitung's Transportation and Tourism Development Department (台東縣政府交通及觀光發展處) announced on Wednesday (Feb. 5) that Taitung County's (台東縣) vibrant tourism scene thrived during the Lunar New Year holiday, with Brown Boulevard (伯朗大道) in Chishang Township (池上鄉) emerging as the most popular destination, attracting over 38,800 visitors. Jhihben and Jinlun Hot Springs (知本、金崙溫泉) also saw a surge in popularity, welcoming more than 36,000 visitors, respectivel, despite multiple cold waves.
Tiehua Music Village (鐵花新聚落) in Taitung City (台東市) drew approximately 15,000 shoppers daily, contributing to the bustling holiday atmosphere. The Taitung County Government's (台東縣政府) Department of Transportation and Tourism Development reported high interest in other attractions, including Sanxiantai (三仙台), the National Museum of Prehistory (台灣史前博物館), and Taitung Forest Park (台東森林公園). The accommodation sector experienced an average occupancy rate of 60%, with urban areas reaching as high as 75%.
Pu Min-cheng (卜敏正), head of the department, noted that the longer holiday period this year led to increased tourist numbers. However, the average number of visitors per site slightly decreased, indicating a growing emphasis on travel and accommodation quality. The county plans to enhance tourism services, promote smart tourism, sustainable itineraries, and quality accommodations, along with organizing events to attract more visitors.
The first major event of the year, the East Wave Festival (東浪嘉年華), will take place May 17-18 at Shangyuan Bay (杉原灣), followed by the popular Taiwan International Balloon Festival (台灣國際熱氣球嘉年華) from July 5 to Aug. 21.