Taiwan agrotourism sprouting with vigor

This article was published by the Taiwan Headlines on April 4, 2006. It features Taiwan's recreational farming industry, which recently burst forth upon the international stage. Currently in its fourth year in international circles, Taiwan's agrotourism itineraries are now available in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The products are widely acclaimed and are attracting the attention of many international travelers. For example, in June 2006, Taiwan's recreational farm industry will participate in the "New Itinerary" contest organized by Hong Kong's International Tourist Exchange Association.

According to the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association, there has been a great rise in the number of overseas farm visitors. In 2005, over 10,000 international visitors spent the night at inns on recreational farms - a number that reflects a growth rate in the triple digits. In 2006, the number of international visitors is expected to exceed 20,000.

In March 2006, the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association took a group of Taiwanese farm owners and bed-and-breakfast operators overseas for a promotional tour. They presented at the Taiwan Festival in Hong Kong, the NATAS spring travel exhibition in Singapore, and the MATA exhibition in Malaysia. The Taiwan Agrotourism booth was a unique attraction at all three events.

The overseas trip also attracted a flood of media attention. For example, Malaysia's national television station produced a special program about Taiwan's agrotourism.

The Hong Kong International Tourism Exchange Association has invited the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association to develop a special themed itinerary for the aforementioned "New Itinerary" contest in June 2006. Currently, the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association has plans to design a "Taiwan Agrotourism Arts Trip", which will focus on organic farms and arts experiences. Hakka cuisine will also be a feature.

According to the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association, popular agrotourism destinations in Taiwan include the Shangri-la Farm in northern Taiwan's Yilan County, the Chaofeng Farm in eastern Taiwan's Hualien County, the Flying Cow Dairy in central Taiwan's Miaoli County, and the Dakeng Recreational Farm in southern Taiwan's Tainan County. Special itineraries range from four to eight days, with prices around NT$20,000.

Meanwhile, according to the Taiwan Agrotourism Development Association, visitors from Singapore mostly come on group tours, while visitors from Hong Kong prefer individual trips. Singaporeans prefer themed farms like herbs, flowers or fruit farms, while people from Hong Kong like cuisine-centered themes.