Meetings & Events
News
Travel Tech

Taiwan is open for Business

  • March 5, 2024

Taiwan announces its readiness to welcome international business travellers at the opening of the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival at Tainan

Taiwan is open for international business was the message among others as Taiwanese Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Tainan city welcomed travel professionals and media for the opening of the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival ‘Glorious Tainan’.

Chou Yung-hui, DG of Taiwan Tourism Administration and Huang Wei-che, Mayor of Tainan
Chou Yung-hui, DG of Taiwan Tourism Administration and Huang Wei-che, Mayor of Tainan. Photo: Harmeet Sehgal

This year’s main lantern, “Dragon Comes to Taiwan,” is designed and produced by renowned artist Peng Li-chen. returning to Tainan after a 16-year hiatus. Tainan, as a former ancient capital, not only boasts historical glory but also stands as a pioneer in the future green energy trend, driving innovation as well as diverse culture, and creating a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in this ancient city.

Dragon Lantern at the Dragon Festival in Tainan, Taiwan 2024
Dragon Lantern at the Dragon Festival in Tainan, Taiwan 2024. Photo: Harmeet Sehgal

In Chinese communities, Lantern Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, is also known as “Little New Year.” This important folk tradition during the New Year involves residents setting off fireworks, carrying lanterns, and visiting temples to appreciate festive lantern displays. It symbolizes national peace and prosperity, fostering a scene of unity and joy. Throughout Taiwan, various celebrations of different types and scales are held during the Lantern Festival period.

Lunar Year celebrations in Taipei
Lunar Year celebrations in Taipei. Photo: Harmeet Sehgal

The Taiwan Lantern Festival, distinct from other city lantern festivals, seamlessly blends traditional and modern elements. It draws on traditional culture, with the main lantern theme based on the Chinese zodiac sign of the year. The festival also includes rituals and ground-breaking ceremonies held at auspicious times, alongside traditional processions featuring whistles, drums, and large gongs before the lighting ceremony.

Beautiful craftmanship with innovative designed lanterns at Tainan
Beautiful craftmanship with innovative designed lanterns at Tainan. Photo: Harmeet Sehgal

Addressing the press conference officials from Tourism Administration from the Ministry of Transportation stated that business travel to Tainan and wider Taiwan is open and very welcome. With flights resuming to full force, Taiwan is seeing the influx of business travellers once again and looks to provide full assistance and support to international businesses wanting to do business with and in Taiwan.

High speed rail at Tainan station
High speed rail at Tainan station. Photo: Harmeet Sehgal

The city of Tainan where the Dragon Festival 2024 is held is well known world-wide for its semi-conductor manufacturing industries and now there is a variety of tourism product that travellers can indulge in during their visit to the city.

Leave a comment