Taiwan Welcomes Its 5 Millionth Visitor
Taiwan welcomed its 5 millionth visitor at the Taoyuan International Airport on Nov. 26 when Japanese tourist Kimura Mizuho became the 5 millionth person to visit Taiwan this year.
This marked the first time that Taiwan has seen that many visitors in one year. With the rapid development of Taiwan’s tourism industry in recent years, the number of visitors to the island is expected to reach 5.4 million for the whole year this year.
Ms. Mizuho, a 31-year-old office worker, and four of her female friends arrived in Taipei on board a China Airlines flight from Tokyo. This is her first time visiting Taiwan. She and her friends plan to travel on their own in Taiwan and stay four days and three nights, enjoying Taiwan’s cuisine. Becoming the 5millionth visitor was a big surprise for Ms. Mizuho.
Premier Wu Den-yih welcomed Ms. Mizuho on Nov. 27 at a ceremony in the Executive Yuan to celebrate Taiwan’s visitor numbers reaching 5 million for the first time. Premier Wu presented to Ms. Mizuho a credit card with which she can purchase up to NT$500,000 (US$16,393) worth of goods in Taiwan and wished her a happy and unforgettable holiday in Taiwan.
Premier Wu pointed out that Taiwan’s visitor numbers reaching 5 million is a record high in the past 60 years. Despite various restrictions Taiwan faces in the international environment, Taiwan still managed to accomplish breakthroughs, the premier said. So far, 96 countries have given Taiwanese nationals visa-free access to their countries. Taiwan meanwhile also wants to attract more tourists, he said. In the future, Taiwan will offer more convenient and diverse tourism products and services to overseas tourists.
In expressing thanks, Ms. Mizuho said it was like a dream. She said she plans to spend part of the NT$500,000 on spa service, gourmet food and fine Taiwanese tea for herself and her four travel companions.
Besides receiving the credit card valued at NT$500,000, Ms. Mizuho also received an award, 500 types of seasonal Taiwanese products, various Taiwanese agricultural specialties and delicacies, a ticket to see the Taipei International Flora Expo, and an MRT subway card.
China Airlines chairman Hsing-Hsiung Wei agreed at the ceremony to transport all the gifts Ms. Mizuho has received back to Japan free-of-charge and encouraged her and her friends to spread the good word about Taiwan’s tourism attractions to people they know. Ms. Mizuho was once again surprised by Taiwan’s warmth and hospitality.
