TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Tourism Administration (觀光署), Taiwan's national tourism authority, unveiled its ambitious "Taiwan Tourism 100 Spotlights" (台灣觀光100亮點) initiative on Tuesday (May 13), a comprehensive campaign designed to showcase the island's diverse attractions to both domestic and international visitors. The program works in conjunction with the popular travel planning application chic Trip (去趣), providing travelers with specially designed itineraries and distinctive experiences in selected counties on a rotating monthly basis.
For the inaugural month of May, the centrally located county of Nantou, home to some of Taiwan's most iconic natural landscapes, has been selected as the first featured destination. Officials have established a partnership with iRent, a leading Taiwanese car-sharing platform, to provide special time-limited discounts for travelers visiting Nantou's signature attractions, including the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, the highland retreat of Qingjing Farm (清境農場), and the lush Xitou National Forest Recreation Area (溪頭國家森林遊樂區). Tourism Administration Director Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) emphasized that the chic Trip application delivers comprehensive, up-to-the-minute information on visitor hotspots, regional delicacies, lodging options, and suggested routes, allowing travelers to personalize and distribute their travel itineraries with ease.
The broader campaign operates under the catchy "Island-Wide Monthly Party" (環島月月Party) marketing concept, systematically highlighting different regions throughout Taiwan's diverse geography to stimulate visitor traffic across the entire island. The comprehensive approach incorporates several complementary transportation services, including the convenient "Taiwan Tourist Shuttle" (台灣好行) bus network connecting major attractions, the guided "Taiwan Tour Bus" (台灣觀巴) excursion packages, and the integrated Taiwan PASS digital ticketing platform. These coordinated efforts reflect the administration's strategic push to promote sustainable tourism by encouraging travelers to utilize public transportation options rather than private vehicles.
Tourism officials anticipate that as the yearlong program progresses, both domestic and international visitors will gain deeper appreciation for Taiwan's remarkable regional diversity, from its mountainous interior and dramatic coastlines to its vibrant urban centers and traditional rural communities. Each subsequent month will introduce a different county's distinctive cultural heritage, natural wonders, and culinary specialties, creating an evolving tapestry of experiences that showcases the island's multifaceted appeal throughout the seasons. ★