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Have Some Beef Noodles and Join the Cult |
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Considering the many excellent restaurants offering this deceptively simple but delectable dish, it's no wonder it's become one of the icons of Taiwan cuisine.
story and photos BY STEPHANIE POON |
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When You Get a Yen for Japanese Food |
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The half century that Taiwan spent as a Japanese colony - plus the decades of strong economic ties - means there is a long history of preparation of Japanese cuisine on the island.
BY BRIAN ASMUS
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Cantonese Choices: Seafood, Dim Sum, or Tea Restaurants |
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Transplanted Hong Kongers have managed to find at least some restaurants in Taipei that maintain authentic tastes and standards - and stir memories of home.
BY STEPHANIE POON
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Snack on Some Healthful Delicious Seaweed |
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More than 500 species are found in the waters near Taiwan. Some play a key role in local cuisine, though it's hard to find any mention of that in the cookbooks.
story and photos BY MARK CALTONHILL |
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A Two-year Plan to Drive Tourism |
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This month marks the start of "Taiwan Tourism Years 2008-2009," a detailed project designed to solidify Taiwan's reputation as a leading international travel destination and to further boost the number of overseas visitors. As part of the program, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is launching a number of initiatives, including new types of tour packages, gifts and incentives for visitors, improved informational materials, and efforts to upgrade the level of service in the tourism industry and the overall hospitality extended to foreign guests.
As a result, this year and next year will be an especially good time for international travelers to add Taiwan to their itinerary and for residents of Taiwan to explore the attractions around the island more fully. The Tourism Bureau hopes to lure many of the visitors coming to Asia for the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer to spend a few days in Taiwan as well, and it will encourage those attending the 2009 World Games and 2009 Deaflympics in Taiwan to stay longer to engage in some sightseeing.
To encourage individual passengers on Taiwan's two international carriers - China Airlines and EVA Airways - to schedule a few days on the island rather than simply transiting, the Tourism Bureau has arranged with a number of hotels to make available a special room rate of US$79 per night, including breakfast. The offer is in effect through the end of this year.
Since 2002, Taiwan has been placing increased emphasis on tourism promotion because of its benefits as a non-polluting industry that contributes heavily to job creation, while also strengthening Taiwan's worldwide image and connections. Following the regional SARS epidemic that discouraged international travel in 2003, the number of foreign arrivals has been rising steadily over the past few years - particularly for tourists as distinct from business travelers. The goal of Taiwan Tourism Years 2008-2009 is to boost the number of international tourists by 7% over the coming two years (excluding tourism from China if existing barriers to opening that market can be overcome) to reach 4.25 million visitors in 2009. That would represent annual tourism revenue of NT$390 billion (US$12 billion).
The two-year plan will carry a budget of NT$1 billion (US$30.7 million). Some of the funds will be used to subsidize efforts to draw visitors - for example, cruise ships making stopovers in Taiwan ports and charter flights bringing in large groups by air. The Tourism Bureau will also help foreign travel agencies that are promoting tours to Taiwan by sharing the cost of advertising and printing brochures.
As part of the project, six new types of package tours have been created:
* Mountain climbing and trekking in Taiwan's glorious mountain ranges, with different options reflecting varying levels of difficulty.
* Pre-wedding photo or honeymoon tours to take advantage of Taiwan's lovely scenery and expertise in romantic photography.
* Nostalgia tours (mainly for Japanese and Southeast Asian visitors) stressing the old towns and railway lines that have been preserved or restored.
* Medical tours that combine tourism with physical exams, plastic surgery, or other medical or dental treatment.
* "Chasing the Stars" tours, bringing young Asian music and movie fans to events where popular Taiwanese entertainers will perform.
* Sporting tourism for those interested in participating in athletic events such as cycling races and marathons or engaging in water sports.
These niche offerings are seen as supplementing such regular packages as:
* Seeing Taiwan by train - not only the conventional railway but also the new High Speed Rail and mountain lines served by classic steam locomotives.
* Health and beauty tours featuring hot springs, spas, and healthful gourmet dining.
* Eco-tourism to enjoy Taiwan's natural beauty and indigenous wildlife, particularly its large number of species of native and migratory birds.
* Stays at one of Taiwan's many recreational farms to enjoy a taste of relaxing rural life.
* Cultural and educational tours that may feature the study of Chinese language and culture, experiencing Taiwan's arts and crafts, or attending an aboriginal or Hakka festival.
In fact, Taiwan's year-round cycle of festivals and other special events of various kinds will be a major theme of the tourism promotion. Some examples are the Lantern Festival following Chinese New Year, the Mazu Cultural Festival in honor of the revered Goddess of the Sea, Dragon Boat Festival, Tour Taiwan cycle race, ING Taipei International Marathon, Computex computer exhibition, and Taipei International Culinary Exhibition.
The Tourism Bureau is also preparing gifts for foreign travelers who visit as part of tour groups during the Taiwan Tourism Years; different types of souvenirs or coupons will be given out at various times of the year. Prizes worth thousands of US dollars in credits toward local purchases will also be awarded each year to the one millionth, two millionth, three millionth, and four millionth foreign visitors.
Another aspect of the plan is to increase convenience for tourists in obtaining travel information and in getting from place to place. Multilingual tapes and written materials have been readied as guides for tourists during their visit, and a 24-hour call center (0800011765) will field inquiries in English, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. The "Taiwan Tour Bus" system is being strengthened to help independent travelers get from hotels, airports, and train stations to key sightseeing spots. Tourist transportation company employees are receiving basic foreign-language training, and programs are underway throughout the tourism industry to enhance the level of service quality.
Publicity about Taiwan Tourism Years 2008-2009 is being aimed not only at foreign travel agencies and prospective foreign tourists, but also at the Taiwan populace at large. The Tourism Bureau is seeking to create a welcoming environment in which every citizen can act as a host to extend friendship and hospitality to visitors from abroad.
Given all the good things happening in 2008-2009, this is the time to encourage your friends and relatives from overseas to pay a visit to this beautiful and fascinating island.
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