Heart of Asia welcomes the world

Jeou expects Taiwan’s tourism industry to grow by leaps and bounds starting this Year of the Rabbit. He made this bold prediction as he switched on  the Auspicious Jade Rabbit Lantern before mediamen all over the world during the opening of the 22nd Lantern Festival.   Ma expressed optimism that the grandest lantern festivity has opened the doors wider for inbound and outbound tourism in Taiwan.

“This festival showcases Taiwan’s prosperity and innovation,” Ma was quoted by a local paper as saying before millions of cheering nationals and hundreds of mediamen all over the world.The Republic of China president kicked off the global ceremony together with Premier Wu Den-yih and Miaoli County Magistrate Liu Cheng-hong.

Government Information Office minister Johnny Chi-chen Chiang revealed that the Taiwan Lantern Festival has been touted by the Discovery Channel as one of the world’s most amazing festivities. This year, it welcomes the world with 15 themed areas, which includes the Hakka Innovation Pavilion. Crafted by internationally famous theater director Stan Lai, the spots introduce visitors to the traditions and magical ingenuity of  Hakka folk, who make up 65 percent of Miaoli.

The lantern festival marks the end of the lunar year and will culminate on Feb. 28. The 10 day festival has been touted as the most spectacular event to happen in Miaoli in 60 years. It has attracted at least 50,000 foreigners daily. The total number of visitors is expected to reach at least six million.

Revenues for this year’s global spectacle are seen to reach NT$3 billion.In line with the newest slogan launched by the Toursim Bureau -- “Taiwan, The Heart of Asia,” the influx of visitors during the festival and after is hoped to see the growth of other industries.

Lin-Chuan Hsiao of the Tourism Bureau International Affairs Division said new logo is expected to help balance Taiwan’s dependence on high-tech exports.      Lin revealed that visitors from China have spent about US$3 billion in Taiwan, since mid-2008. “Japan used to be the main source of tourists. Now, it has been overtaken by tour groups from China,” he added.

Source = journal