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INSPIRATION FOR CORPORATE MEETING PLANNERS

IN COLLABORATION WITH MEET TAIWAN

 Contents
Map 04
Why Taiwan 06
Accessibility 08
Venues: variety on show 10
Support services 12
Eco-adventure incentives 14
Team-building incentives 16
Experiential incentives 18
Muslim-friendly environment 20
Taipei 21
Taoyuan 22
Hsinchu 23
Taichung 24
Tainan 25
Kaohsiung 26
Eastern Taiwan 27
Case studies 28
Testimonials 30

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 Discoveries at dawn Jade mountain, Yushan National Park, Taiwan

Ad. by Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA

2 017 TA I WA N C E I A S I A 3
 7 Taoyuan Arts
1 Taipei Expo Park
8 Taoyuan Arena
1 2
3 4 2 Huashan 1914
Creative Park
5 6
3 Taipei Arena

4 Songshan Cultural
and Creative Park
7 8
5 Taipei International
Convention Center
Taipei World Trade Center

9 World Trade Center 6 Taipei Nangang

Exhibition Center
10 National Taichung Theater 9 10
 11 12 13

11 International Convention
Center Kaohsiung
12 Pier-2 Art Center
13 Kaohsiung
Exhibition Center
Towering futures Taipei 101 reaches into the sky

6 C E I . A S I A TA I WA N 2 017
Taiwan: taking
events to a new level
T
aiwan is cementing its position Le Méridien, W and Nikko. Aloft and
as a top business and travel Hotel Indigo are two of the latest
destination in the region. brands to debut in the capital.
Featuring world-class facilities and Taiwan’s scenic and easily accessible
services, an exciting fusion of cultures, rural areas also feature splendid
fabulous food and breathtaking beaches, mysterious gorges and
attractions, Taiwan offers a cornucopia soaring mountain ranges that boast
of options when it comes to hosting East Asia’s highest peak—the 3,952-
business events. metre Jade Mountain. Taiwan’s lush
When Portuguese sailors first turned countryside is home to rushing rivers,
their telescopes on Taiwan more than pristine lakes, charming temples and
400 years ago, the beauty of its soaring hidden hot-spring spas; for exhibitors
green mountains so enchanted them, and post-conference delegates, the
they marked it on their maps as Isla spas offer the perfect option for relaxing
Formosa—literally meaning ‘beautiful and unwinding, before dining on
island’. In the centuries since, Taiwan Taiwan’s celebrated and varied cuisine.
has transformed itself into one of the What’s more, all of this—from the city
world’s economic success stories. nightlife, to the unspoiled countryside
Modern Taiwan is a must-visit and traditional Chinese cultures
destination for both convention and (Taipei’s National Palace Museum ranks
incentive groups. Just a few hours’ along with the British Museum and the
flying time from some of Asia’s major Louvre as among the world’s top 10
cities, the destination’s MICE facilities museums)—can be enjoyed during the
are world-class and on a par with same visit on this compact but
international standards. surprising island.
Taiwan’s 23 million friendly people,
A wealth of attractions along with its highly trained and
Taiwan’s attractions include exciting professional visitor and MICE industry,
neon-lit cities, such as the capital city of take great pride in working hard to
Taipei in the north and second-largest ensure that Taiwan conventions and
city of Kaohsiung in the south, with a incentive trips become the best MICE
wide choice of four- and five-star luxury experiences possible for delegates.
hotels, including renowned The following pages highlight just a
international brands such as Mandarin few of the fun and exciting things to do
Oriental, Grand Hyatt, Shangri-La, and see in terrific Taiwan.
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Pole position Taiwan High Speed Rail

Speed and ease

Connectivity drives are plans to expand Taoyuan
Taiwan’s transport systems International Airport’s Terminal 2 by

T
2018, while a third runway is also on
aiwan’s compact size and its the cards.
sophisticated infrastructure The country’s other major
mean that getting there from international airport is at Kaohsiung in
other parts of Asia is ultra-convenient, the south, serving Taiwan’s second-
while travel around the island is fast, largest city, while the Taipei
easy and efficient. International (Songshan) Airport also
Taiwan’s main international gateway handles international flights, mostly to
is Taoyuan International Airport, and from Japan and China.
located near the city of Taoyuan, about Hong Kong is less than two hours
50km southwest of the capital Taipei. away, Tokyo and Seoul can be reached
The Taoyuan Airport MRT opened in in under three hours while Singapore is
March, offering delegates an easier just over four hours by plane and
and more convenient way to arrive Sydney around 10 hours away. China
and depart from the capital city. There Airlines and Eva Air are the two most
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 KEELUNG
NEW TAIPEI

wide-reaching Taiwanese carriers, with

frequent flights to other Asian and TAOYUAN TAIPEI
international destinations. Delegates
can therefore reach Taiwan with ease YILAN
from other parts of Asia while the HSINCHU

country can also easily be twinned with

other Asian destinations for even more
MICE activities. HUALIEN
TAICHUNG
Getting around
Travel within Taiwan is easy, fast and
efficient. There are 13 additional
CHIAYI
airports serving major hubs such as
Taitung, Kenting, Tainan and Chiayi, as
TAINAN
well as off-island territories such as
TAITUNG
Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu, Green Island
and Orchid Island. Taiwan’s two major
cities—Taipei and Kaohsiung—have
KAOHSIUNG
efficient metro systems, rated as some
of the best in the world with
unparalleled levels of punctuality,
reliability and cleanliness.
The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)
is another great option for those who New air routes
would like to travel to different parts of Eva Air launched additional services
the island. The THSR covers 143 between Taipei and Brisbane last
kilometres along the west side of the October, offering a five-times weekly
island, connecting passengers from year-round service. In January, low-cost
Taipei in the north of the island to carrier Tiger Airways Taiwan introduced
southern Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes. a three-times weekly service between
For those who may have a bit more Taipei Taoyuan and Busan in South
time on their hands and who want to Korea. A new service from Taichung to
explore the smaller cities and more Macau also launched at the end of
rural areas, Taiwan has a March. Air Asia, meanwhile, is planning
comprehensive rail network with a to significantly increase operations to
number of stations located in key cities Taiwan this summer, with a daily service
and small towns. from Kuala Lumpur to Kaohsiung, while
Bicycle tours are also an option— it is also increasing its weekly flights
Taiwan has an island-wide cycling route from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei from the
network spanning around 1,000km. current 14 to 17 flights.
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Hourglass figures National Taichung Theater

Variety on show
Seven of Taiwan’s best Taipei Nangang Exhibition
venues for business

F
Center, Hall 1
rom huge purpose-built The purpose-built Taipei Nangang
exhibition centres to creative Exhibition Center consists of two
spaces and sports arenas, exhibition halls, each offering
Taiwan has venues to suit all events. 22,680sqm of space, accommodating
2,467 standard-size booths. The venue
Taipei International houses the Sky Dome, Taiwan’s largest
Convention Center column-free showground, hosting up
The six-storey Taipei International to 18,000 people. There is a 1,000sqm
Convention Center (TICC), part of the outdoor exhibition area in front of the
Taipei World Trade Center, can host main hall, plus two restaurants and two
from 30 to 3,100 guests, with 26 floors of conference rooms, the largest
meeting rooms. The Plenary Hall, of which seats 504 delegates.
which spans four floors, can seat 3,100, www.twtcnangang.com.tw
while the Banquet Hall hosts up to 480.
There is also a café, restaurant, VIP Taipei World Trade Center
dining hall and several lounges. Exhibition Hall 1
www.ticc.com.tw For a large-scale exhibition space
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within the TWTC complex, the TWTC designed by Pritzker-prize-winning
Exhibition Hall 1 accommodates 1,550 architect Toyo Ito and opened in 2015.
booths and also features five meeting The Grand Theater seats 2,007 people,
rooms, the largest of which can host while the Playhouse Theater hosts up
550. There are more than 1,000 to 800. The real highlight is Black Box,
permanent showrooms on the floors a 200-seat theatre opening onto an
above. The whole complex includes outdoor amphitheatre. It offers a
the Taipei International Convention freeform space as both rooms are
Center, International Trade Building separated by a removable wall. Further
and the Grand Hyatt Taipei Hotel. open-air spaces include Sky Garden
www.twtc.com.tw on the sixth floor and a 22,000sqm
Outdoor Plaza.
Taipei Arena en.npac-ntt.org
This indoor sporting arena’s telescopic
seating offers flexibility for planners, Kaohsiung Exhibition Center
allowing for centre-stage concerts and Southern Taiwan’s first large-scale
events, with 13,000 to 15,000 seats, MICE venue, the Kaohsiung Exhibition
and end-stage events, seating from Center (KEC) is located on the city’s
7,000 to 11,000. The centre floor can harbourfront. Two exhibition halls
be frozen for ice-skating, figure-skating connected by a central boulevard and
and ice hockey. There is also an 800- an outdoor exhibition area offer a total
seat ice rink with restaurants and retail. of 25,100sqm of space. The third floor
www.arena.taipei can host up to 4,000 while groups of
up to 800 can enjoy views from the
Taoyuan Arena Ocean View Banquet Room. Cocktails
Inaugurated in 1993 and located in and concert events for up to 2,000 can
central Taoyuan, the venue has 8,000 be hosted on the lawn.
fixed and 7,000 movable seats, and www.kecc.com.tw
features a fibreglass-and-
steel-cable roof, a nod to Game on Taipei Arena
Taiwan’s bicycle culture.
The fibreglass membrane is
energy efficient, while at
night the roof is illuminated
for an overhead spectacle.
www.dst.tycg.gov.tw

National Taichung
Theater
This opera house was
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 Support
services
For international groups
meeting in Taiwan, there
are a number of subsidies
MEET TAIWAN
The Taiwan Meeting and Incentive
Rewards Program is for international
meeting or incentive groups of at least
20 participants, staying for a minimum
of two consecutive nights in Taiwan.
Rewards are scaled according to
event size and type, and include pre-
event site inspection packages, a
welcome kit and gift for each
delegate, VIP items such as Taiwan Tainan City Government
souvenirs, welcome banner, letter of For corporate meetings of more than
greeting and a benefits card. 200 attendees, Tainan City
www.meettaiwan.com Government offers subsidies of
NT$50,000 to NT$300,000 (US$1,640
Taiwan Tourism Bureau to US$9,870).
For groups 50 and above staying for a www.tainan.gov.tw
minimum of two consecutive nights in
Taiwan, the Bureau will provide Kaohsiung City Government
administrative assistance along with International organisations must apply
welcome gifts, a banner, and a cultural through a local event company. To
show valued up to NT$150,000 qualify for subsidies of NT$100,000 to
(US$4,935) depending on the size of NT$800,000 (US$3,290 to US$26,310),
the group. Groups staying more than the event must be for at least two days
three consecutive nights in Taiwan and have participants from at least
and from target countries in the three countries as well as observe one
government’s ‘New Southbound of the following guidelines:
Policy’ can expect customised support • International conference of more
and extra financial rewards.  than 100, with no less than 80 (or 40
eng.taiwan.net.tw per cent) foreign participants
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 Halls of fame Kaohsiung Exhibition Center

• International academic symposium may receive up to NT$300,000

of more than 100 participants with (US$9,870) as well as administrative
at least 10 foreign experts or assistance, a welcome letter from the
scholars city mayor and non-cash support of up
• Exhibition with more than 100 to NT$1 million (US$32,900) during
foreign company booths (or preparation and hosting of the event.
10 per cent) Incentive travel participants can also
receive a One Day Taipei Pass,
There are also subsidies for events that enabling foreign visitors to enjoy
promote the industrial development or convenient transportation as they
international image of Kaohsiung of up explore the capital city.
to NT$300,000 (US$9,870). www.travel.taipei
www.khmice.org.tw
Taichung City Government
Taipei City Government The Economic Development Bureau
The city’s Department of Information offers up to NT$1 million (US$32,900)
and Tourism offers subsidies to visiting to international events held in
international MICE groups. For Taichung. The subsidy is not to exceed
example, conferences of at least 100 50 per cent of the total event expense.
delegates from five or more countries eng.taichung.gov.tw
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Water cycles Taiwan’s bicycle adventures

Eco adventures
Hosting green events are a production in Taiwan, the Anshun Salt
Fields and Eco-cultural Village has
Taiwanese specialty

T
educational tours of the salt-making
aiwan is celebrating 2017 as a process. Delegates can also explore
year of eco-tourism. For the history of salt production in the
incentive groups keen to preserved workers village. After
explore the island’s ecological marvels, restoration, the 350-hectare salt field
the following activities can be was destroyed by mega typhoons in
undertaken as one-day programmes. 2016. Corporate groups can help with
reconstruction or harvest their own salt.
Guanziling Hot Springs Additional team-building activities are
Just over an hour from Tainan’s city on offer at the nearby Sio House (Salt
centre, Guanziling is among the most Museum), where delegates can crack
famous hot spring and mud pool sites. salt-encrusted eggs in a race against
Verdant mountains and a string of time and enjoy salt-flavoured
resorts surround the thermal baths, so ice cream.
groups can visit for a day of natural
beauty therapy or stay overnight. Cycling around Sun Moon
Lake
CSR at Anshun Salt Fields Every autumn, thousands of bikers
Built in the 1920s at the height of salt from all over the world flock to Sun
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Moon Lake to attend the annual
Taiwan Cycling Festival. Situated in
the western foothills of Taiwan’s Central
Mountain Range, incentive groups will
quickly see why CNN rated the Sun
Moon Lake Trail in its list of ‘10 Most
Breathtaking Cycling Routes in the
World’. The trail ride takes about four
hours, allowing time for photos of the
mirror-like lake and scenic shoreline,
as well as the encircling mountains.
Boat and yacht tours on the lake are
also available.

Sicao Green Tunnel tours

This scenic canal was developed more
than 200 years ago and is the central
artery of Taijiang National Park. Groups
can explore the wetlands on traditional
fishing rafts where mangroves stretch mudskippers and a variety of
across the banks to create a stunning mangrove forest birds, while the
green canopy. Canal tours run for 30 stunning Sicao Dazhong Temple
minutes, where you’ll find crabs, looms large overhead.

Case study: International Firefly Symposium 2017

Organised by the Friends of Daan partners to rally support for the event
Forest Park Foundation and the to showcase the city and its rich
Department of Entomology at National culinary history. Local carrier Eva Air
Taiwan University, the International promoted the event on all international
Firefly Symposium 2017 (IFS) was held routes and offered VIP upgrades, while
in Taipei in April. Attracting close to 400 restaurants from Taipei’s food-famous
delegates from 22 countries, the five- Yongkang Street came together—each
day event featured a series of meetings restaurant provided a signature dish to
and keynote presentations, city tours, the gala dinner banquet.
and research visits to view the restored Organisers also worked closely with
firefly habitats at Taiwan Zoo, Yongjian the Taipei City Government, Taiwan
Ecopark, Daan Forest Park and Entomological Society and major
Rongxing Park. sponsors such as PX Mart and Everlight
Organisers worked with local Electronics.
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Group dynamics Taiwan has a vast selection of incentives from watersports to drumming experience

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Team-building
with a difference
A thrilling escape game, an enlightening farm outing—
here are two enriching team-building options
Escape game Farm experience
For an adrenaline-fuelled team- Rice, sugar and tea leaves were
building activity, groups can try an formerly Taiwan’s major exports, when
‘escape room’-themed game, where agriculture was the backbone of the
participants are locked inside a room economy. Groups can get a modern
and have a limited amount of time to insight into how farmed products are
escape by solving a series of clues and used today and the part they play in
puzzles within the room. These include Taiwan’s culture. Farm experiences
finding keys or combination lock such as strawberry-picking in the rural
codes, with participants having to rely township of Dahu in Miaoli also include
on teamwork, cooperation and sampling strawberry-based cuisine
listening skills in order to escape in and wines offered by local producers.
time, as well as encouragement to Another experience involves the art
think creatively and ‘out of the box’ to of water bamboo cuisine—Sanzhi in
solve clues. New Taipei City and Puli of Nantou are
Rooms are themed, adding an two townships famous for the
element of realism to the process and production of water bamboo shoots,
setting the scene with a back story—For which are often featured in restaurant
example, participants can choose from dishes during their growing season.
creatively decorated rooms such as Rice-planting and rice-harvesting
‘Palace of Immortality’, ‘Dr Hyde’ or are two more ‘farm-themed’
‘Treasure Hunter’ among many others. experiences available for groups. With
Rooms can accommodate between spring rice-planting, you can get up
four and eight players, with the close and personal with nature, hands
experience lasting around 100 and feet soaking in rice paddies.
minutes—or less, depending on how Harvesting rice traditionally takes place
quickly they can solve the puzzles. during summer months. For this
More escape room providers have experience, participants help with
sprung up in Taipei during the past the reaping process and can opt to
couple of years­in response to the high follow this with a rice-tasting session
demand and become an innovative or use the straw by-product to make
choice for team-building activities. local crafts.
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Floating on clouds Making a wish with paper lanterns

A rewarding experience
Cultural and culinary incentives for every interest

E
xplore a range of themed tours dye—a traditional Taiwanese art. The
from medical tourism to cultural process of soaking, wringing, twisting,
activities and CSR programmes. and air-drying cloth results in a unique
one-of-a-kind design, which groups
DIY activities can take home as a keepsake.
DIY experiences are a hands-on Pottery is another traditional craft,
introduction to Taiwan—where with destinations such as Taoyuan,
Taiwanese companies, including shops, Yinge and Meinong particularly known
factories and restaurants, work with for their clay products, and where
groups to make a range of products. delegates can make their own pottery
Taste and make some of Taiwan’s and mosaic tiles. Another popular and
most well-known snack foods and relaxing option is origami, and groups
delicacies, such as steamed can also use paper to make umbrellas
dumplings, pineapple cakes, Hakka or handmade books while learning
pestle tea and sticky rice treats. Groups about different paper textures, or even
can also learn more about indigo making soap and glassware.
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Festivals and cultural activities aboriginal tribes, as guided tours that
Visiting Taiwan at any time is a introduce their folklore and festivities
pleasure, but being on the island are available.
during one of its festivals can add a
special sparkle for incentive groups. Medical tourism
Taiwan offers a packed and varied Featuring a well-established medical
calendar of intriguing festivals industry of international repute, and
throughout the year. During summer, with more affordable costs, medical
delegates can visit Taitung for the treatments are becoming a popular
Taiwan International Balloon Festival. side option among conference and
Once in a hot-air balloon, passengers incentive groups.
are treated to fabulous 360 degree With Taiwan’s leading-edge
views of both the Coastal and Central technology and world-class medical
Mountain Ranges, as well as a facilities, groups can take a moment to
stunning panorama of the region’s rejuvenate, taking advantage of a
verdant tea plantations. number of treatments ranging from
Delegates should not miss cultural advanced physical examinations to
activities—especially those which beauty-boosting treatments and minor
provide insight into Taiwan’s facelift procedures.
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Caption Caption

Muslim-friendly
T
aiwan provides a very friendly travellers are able to taste the diverse
environment for Muslims. cuisine from Chinese beef noodles to
All 12 national scenic area lamb steaks in Muslim-friendly
administrations island-wide provide restaurants everywhere.
prayer rooms and specially cleaned
facilities to create a friendly For further details:
environment for all Muslim visitors. Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Furthermore, Taiwan’s government http://eng.taiwan.net.tw
encourages hotels and restaurants to Chinese Muslim Association
obtain Halal certification so that http://www.cmainroc.org.tw
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 Sparkling nights Celebrations in Taipei

Towering Taipei
T
aiwan’s capital, Taipei, is a Computex Taipei, the second-largest
vibrant, cosmopolitan city show of its kind in the world, Taipei
which features a mix of Cycle, the largest in Asia, and the
Taiwanese and Japanese influences. upcoming 2017 Taipei Universiade,
Groups can start their day with a tai also known as ‘little Olympics’.”
chi class at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Taipei offers unique venues like
Hall followed by a visit to the National Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
Palace Museum, which houses the The park has progressively emerged
world’s largest collection of Chinese asTaipei’s key cultural-creative
art treasures. Other iconic experiences enterprise showcase venue, drawing
include a tour of Longshan Temple, significant international attention.
the oldest temple in Taipei and dinner HuaShan 1914 Creative Park, Taipei’s
on the 85th floor at Taipei 101—at 508 primary creative arts centre, can host
metres, it is the country’s tallest banquets for 300 to 1,000 and serves
building. Groups can end an evening as a creative-display space for the
with a leisurely stroll along the packed cultural-arts sector.
alleyways of Shilin Night Market. “Taipei is less expensive than other
“Taipei is host for large-scale MICE comparable Asian cities, meaning
event, on average, every three days,” super value for the staging of MICE
says Chien Yu-Yen, commissioner of activities,” Chien says.
the Department of Information and
Chien Yu-Yen
Tourism under the Taipei City Commissioner, Department of Information
Government. “Examples include and Tourism, Taipei City Government

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Hub and spoke Taoyuan Science Park

Tech crossroads: Taoyuan

T
aoyuan, situated at the centre experience with a related class, such
of Northern Taiwan, is Taiwan’s as making your own pineapple cakes,
transportation hub and a port a flaky shortcrust pastry filled with
of Taiwan’s hi-tech corridor. Via its delicious pineapple jam.
complete transport network that also Agriculture is still a large part of the
coordinates with the peripheral traffic Taoyuan economy, with rice, flowers
system, Taoyuan connects the and tea among the biggest
surrounding industrial clusters with commodities. There are more than
capital and information, and facilitates 700 hectares of tea plantations, and
intelligent logistics, keeping the city’s Taoyuan’s most famous brew is
economy vibrant. Oriental Beauty or Pengfeng.
It is a key commercial city, with Groups can witness the morning
opportunities for strategic business mist rising off the mountain fields,
events, particularly in the industries of then see tea production up close at
aerospace maintenance and repair, one of the historical tea factories.
Picture credit: Taoyuan City Government

warehousing and logistics, Those in search of more active

optoelectronics, green energy, value- pursuits can take in the mountain
added manufacturing, cloud- forests with a guided hike along one
computing, biotechnology and of several scenic trails, passing
medicine. through waterfalls, drawbridges and
For an insight into local culture, verdant surrounds. It is also possible
groups can tour local factories and to incorporate learning opportunities
see cakes, soap, wine, beds and even on the indigenous aboriginal culture
pianos in production. Follow up the within itineraries.
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 Cultural roots Hsinchu East Gate

History and science: Hsinchu

H
sinchu is Taiwan’s third-most exhibition space Jubei Arena.
popular location for hosting In addition, the city has a rich
association meetings for a cultural heritage in its Hakka
reason. The city is a concentration of community—the largest in Taiwan. An
technological innovation and easy day trip from Taipei—less than 40
commerce with many hi-tech firms minutes by train—Hsinchu’s scenic
headquartered there. Two leading coastline, lush forests and hiking trails
universities and the Industrial mean it’s a great option for outdoor
Technology Research Institute of and nature enthusiasts.
Taiwan also call Hsinchu home— The city’s 18 Peaks Mountain Park
making it a natural choice for MICE (Shibajian Shan) is famed for its flower
activities with its rich landscape of festival in March, when camellias,
Picture credit: Hsinchu City Government

academic and technology resources. azaleas, apricot, peach and

Hsinchu Science Park is Taiwan’s osmanthus flowers come into full
Silicon Valley with over 489 bloom. The area is also home to the
companies situated across 650 Siangshan Wetlands. Many of
hectares—their specialities cover Hsinchu’s other attractions are
biotechnology, telecommunications, focused on its cuisine—in particular,
integrated circuits and the new field rice noodles, pork meatballs and
of optoelectronics. pork-stuffed glutinous-rice balls—and
The MICE industry is supported by its ties with the glass-making industry.
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Red wonder The impressive National Taichung Theater

Vibrant city: Taichung

L
ocated in the centre of the InterContinental hotel is set to open in
island, Taichung is easily 2022 and a 288-room Le Méridien
accessible. “It is an important hotel is due to open in January 2018.
manufacturing hub for the aviation The 30-room Divecube Hotel,
and car-parts sectors alike, and is a which opened in February, features a
global leader in bicycle 21-metre-deep pool where guests can
manufacturing,” says Dr Liu Yau-Jr, look out to the city while underwater.
director-general of the Economic Another unique venue, the National
Development Bureau of Taichung City Taichung Theater is a green building
Government. The city is home to the designed for high energy efficiency.
world-famous pearl milk tea, which this The Gaomei Wetlands, around 35km
year celebrates its 30th anniversary. from Taichung Station, is an ecological
Plans to build Central Taiwan conservation area known for its
Convention Centre were approved in breathtaking scenery and postcard-
March. Set to open in 2021, it will worthy sunsets.
feature a 2,200-seat theatre and two
Dr Liu Yau-Jr
expo halls that can hold 5,000 Director-general, Economic Development
standard booths. A 220-room Bureau, Taichung City Government

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 Brick by brick Anping’s Fort Zeelandia

Festive histories: Tainan

T
ainan, the former capital, is of heritage venues, including the Old
Taiwan’s oldest city and is less Tainan Magistrate Residence, dating
than two hours away from back to 1900 and suited to cocktail
Taipei by train. Its well-preserved parties and product launches,”
heritage districts and the ‘old town’ in recommends Sue Wang, director-
the Anping district, a former Dutch general of the Tourism Bureau of
settlement, are a real drawcard for Tainan City Government. “Wu
corporate groups looking to get a Garden and its adjoining public
sense of Taiwan’s history and culture. convention hall can host around 200
Groups can visit during Lunar New for events.“ Tainan Cultural and
Year Lantern Festival or in April, during Creative Park also has rooms available
the annual Tainan Arts Festival, where for meetings and events.
interactive art and performances take Tainan’s first convention and
place across the city in various creative exhibition centre is expected to open
spaces and heritage venues. For in 2020, and includes a 5,000-seat
foodies, a good time to visit is theatre, meeting rooms for 1,000 and
between October and December, exhibition space for 600 booths.
when the Tainan Food Festival and Hot
Sue Wang
Springs Festival take place. Director-general, Tourism Bureau,
“Groups can host events at a range Tainan City Government

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Metropolitan buzz Kaohsiung’s sprawling harbour

Harbour city: Kaohsiung

T
he southern city of Kaohsiung is New properties include Hotel
Taiwan’s second-largest, and Indigo which opened in 2016, the
has long had a reputation for 200-room Silks Place, opening July
logistics and manufacturing industries. 2017, and a Marriott-branded hotel
“In recent years,” says Vincent Tseng, launching in 2018, with 700 rooms.
director-general of the Economic For incentive options, groups can
Development Bureau of Kaohsiung visit 1300 Only Porcelain, where they
City Government, “the city has can decorate their own porcelain
transformed into a buzzing metropolis plate, or make their own one-of-a-kind
and is investing in its cultural heritage, tile works such as a coaster or
while many international hotel brands cardholder at San-He Tile Kiln.
are set to open here in the near future.” As a harbour city, Kaohsiung’s
The Kaohsiung Exhibition Center seafood is some of the best in the
can host up to 4,000 for events, while country. For local dining experiences,
the Kaohsiung Main Public Library also groups can also visit the night markets
opened that same year. The Maritime and sample street food favourites
Culture and Popular Music Center, such as dry-cooked clams.
which includes a 3,500 seat indoor
Vincent Tseng
concert hall and a 12,000 seat outdoor Director-general, Economic Development
venue, is opening this year. Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government

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 Rising stars Taiwan International Balloon Festival

Natural beauty: Eastern Taiwan

E
astern Taiwan offers stunning country’s most spectacular natural
scenery, unparalleled beauty wonder. Snaking for almost 20km
and unique experiences. through sheer marble cliffs and lush
green mountains, Taroko Gorge is the
Yilan only marble gorge in the world.
Yilan County, a 50-minute drive from Adrenaline junkies can get their fill
Taipei, is renowned for its natural with a two-to-three-hour whitewater
beauty and springs. rafting trip on Xiuguluan River, high
Groups can base themselves at one season being from April to October.
of Yilan’s many hot-springs resort
hotels. For some nature-based Taitung
incentives, groups can head to Taitung County is home to the scenic
Wufengqi Waterfall, close to Jiaoxi East Rift Valley. Groups can reach
and accessible by an easy one-hour Taitung via a 50-minute flight from
hike. Another option includes whale Taipei or a two-hour train journey from
watching—the waters off Taiwan’s east Kaohsiung. Famous for the Taiwan
coast are home to 29 species of International Balloon Festival, which is
whales and dolphins. held at Luye Gaotai from June to
September yearly, Taitung also offers
Hualien a range of outdoor team-
Just two hours by express train from building activities, such as grass-skiing
Taipei, Hualien County is home to or cycling the Guanshan Bicycle Trail,
Taroko Gorge, often referred to as the Taiwan’s oldest bikeway.
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Event flexibility Taipei can host a variety of group activities

Events showcase
Draw on these events for Velo-city series is the association’s
annual global cycling summit, intended
inspiration

T
to encourage cycling as part of daily
hese three case studies illustrate transport, promote its recognition, and
Taiwan’s prowess as a provide a forum for exchanging cycling
destination for business events, expertise. The conference attracts
meetings and conventions around 1,500 delegates from more
than 65 different countries.
Velo-city 2016, Taipei Velo-city series 2016 conference
The European Cyclists’ Federation’s was hosted in Taipei (above left), at the
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Taipei International Convention brought together a total of 4,567
Center, from 27 February to 1 March, ophthalmology experts, scholars,
2016, and was held in conjunction with technicians, and care staff both from
global bicycle trade show, Taipei Cycle. home and abroad with an exhibition of
It marked the first time the cycling 323 booths, attracting 79 exhibitors to
conference was hosted in Asia. display their latest technologies.
Event organisers made the best use Global research and development
of Taiwan’s strengths and reputation in trends were also discussed.
bicycle manufacturing and design,
combining the conference and Longrich annual
exhibition with a diversity of side meeting, Taipei
events, including scenic cycling tours Multi-level marketing business
and the Tour de Taiwan professional Longrich hosted its annual conference
bicycle race. (main) and incentive activities over five
Event PCO GIS Group also days and four nights, from 23 to 27
developed new models when seeking November, 2015, using Zhongshan
exhibitors, sponsors, and delivering Hall in Taipei as a venue.
the meeting experience. With a Working together with Bobby Travel
successful promotional campaign, the Service, the event included bicycle
conference welcomed an increased tours along the Tamsui coastline and
number of delegates and media visiting restaurants in Tamsui Old
coverage beyond expectation. Street, with the aim of highlighting new
experiences within Taiwan.
Asia-Pacific Academy of A digital marketing campaign was
Ophthalmology, Taipei used to promote the teambuilding
Every year, the congress of the Asia- activities in Tamsui, helping to attract
Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology thousands of people to attend and
(APAO) gathers over 4,000 experts and promoting Taiwan’s image to an
scholars to discuss the latest international audience.
developments and trends in During the pre-tour visit, Bobby
ophthalmology and visual sciences Travel Service recorded a short video
and to shape the future of of ‘Taiwan welcomes you’, which lasted
ophthalmological medicine. for about a minute and a half. Longrich
The 2016 congress was held in not only screened this on the
Taiwan (left) in March, 2016, beating off company’s own audio and video
competition from Singapore, Malaysia, platform, but it also promoted the
Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Pakistan, content on social networks such as
Thailand and Philippines as host. Sina, Baidu and YouTube, resulting in
In co-operation with PCO K&A added online exposure for Taiwan as a
International, the four-day APAO 2016 MICE destination.
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 Testimonials
Charmaine Wong foreign visitors, and it’s shown in the
Business development locals’ hospitality in every corner of the
manager, BCD island. The local delicacies are endless,
Meetings & Events from the 100-plus-year-old ‘mom-and-
Taiwan offers a convenient connection pop’ noodle shop to15-course meals.
to the world. There are international You can get it all—and fast, taking the
airports in Northern, Central, and impeccably convenient transportation
Southern Taiwan with 59 major airlines services, high speed rail, metro and
providing services. MICE facilities and hundreds of train and bus routes. On
five-star hotels in Taiwan are world-class top of that, Taiwan is a leading
and offer a variety of venue options. manufacturer of software and
Taiwan is globally renowned for its technology and displays profound
highly developed 3C industry. The advancement in venues for the public,
integration of social media and holding extraordinary global events
technologies such as APPs, QR-codes, such as Computex and our 40,000-plus
RFID, and free wifi are currently being registered guests for the 2021 Taipei
applied to MICE activities and offer Rotary International Convention.
advanced, convenient and real-time
services to visitors. Mark Baker
Taiwan is also rich in tourism President, Human Proteome
resources such as geographic wonders, Organisation, Macquarie
astonishing natural landscapes and University
beautiful coastal scenery. Matched with I would have no hesitation in
Taiwanese cuisine, hospitality, efficiency recommending Taiwan as a destination.
and professional services, these all add We held our conference last
up as great incentives to international September in Taiwan with around 1,100
business people visiting Taiwan for members. Taiwan was the ideal venue
MICE activities. as it was very easy to get around inside
the venue with the elevators and the
Jackson S L Hsieh rooms are just the right size. If you like
Host organisation committee Taiwanese cuisine, this is where you will
chair of 2021 Taipei Rotary see the best of cuisine. Taipei is a
International Convention beautiful city with good shopping
Beyond having been voted the No 1 options and the island as a whole is
Safest Country and having Taipei the beautiful—its beaches are renowned as
Top Rated City to live in by foreign well as its rugged exteriors and outdoor
expats, Taiwan shines in countless other activities and it is surprising what you
categories. For starters, Taiwan loves can see and do here.
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City of lights Kaohsiung’s ferris wheel bedazzles

Tel +886 (02) 2392 0788

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Website www.meettaiwan.com
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Taiwan’s MICE Promotion Program

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Ad. by Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA
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