TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Tourism Administration (交通部觀光署), Taiwan's national tourism agency, inaugurated its Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Amsterdam (TTIC) on Thursday (May 15), signaling an ambitious move to enhance the island's visibility across European markets. Officials described the new facility as a strategic outpost designed to amplify Taiwan's tourism promotion efforts in the Netherlands, which serves as a critical gateway to the broader European market.
Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) emphasized Amsterdam's strategic position as a major European cultural and transportation hub that would boost Taiwan's tourism profile across the continent. Chou noted the natural synergies between Taiwan and the Netherlands, pointing to shared strengths in efficient public transportation networks, renowned culinary traditions, and bicycle-friendly infrastructure that would resonate with Dutch travelers.
Tien Chung-kwang (田中光), Taiwan's representative to the Netherlands, characterized the new tourism office as a significant advancement in bilateral cultural relations, highlighting the democratic values and freedoms cherished by both societies. Tourism officials intend to leverage the Amsterdam location to develop stronger partnerships with Dutch tourism stakeholders, media outlets, and influential figures in the travel sector. Following the official opening, approximately 50 representatives from local travel agencies and media organizations attended a promotional reception, creating opportunities for future collaborative initiatives.
The Netherlands represents one of Taiwan's most important European tourism markets, with Dutch visitor arrivals climbing more than 14% in 2025 compared to 2024, demonstrating substantial growth potential. Regular direct air connections between Taiwan and Amsterdam — operated by Taiwan's China Airlines, EVA Air, and the Netherlands' flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines — have established reliable transportation links that tourism officials believe will facilitate increased travel between the two nations. ◼