Taipei Named Asia’s Best Leisure Destination by Global Traveler Magazine

Taipei has again been named Asia’s best leisure destination by U.S. magazine Global Traveler in its 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards, the Tourism Administration said on Aug. 7.

Lin I-chen, director of the Los Angeles office of the Tourism Administration, thanked the magazine and its readers in her acceptance speech at the ceremony. Lin stated that the award is the result of the concerted efforts of Taiwan’s entire tourism sector as well as the hospitality of its people, and welcomed tourists from around the world to visit the nation and take advantage of the government’s various incentives.

According to the Tourism Administration, the award demonstrates the success of the administration’s “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder” promotional campaign in establishing the nation as a top choice for travelers. Taiwan is known for its natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, convenient transportation networks and world-class cuisine, the Tourism Administration said, citing as examples the nation’s 44 Michelin-starred restaurants that offer a wide variety of culinary options.

The results come from a reader survey conducted between July 15, 2023, and March 8, 2024, by the American magazine covering a wide range of categories including airlines, airports, cruises, hotels and services. Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan ranked fifth in the survey’s ranking of the best airports for stopovers.

In related news, a survey conducted by the Tourism Administration shows that South Korean travelers, Japan and the United States spent the most in Taiwan in 2023. During that same year, 6.49 million foreigners visited the nation, reaching 55 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019. Visitors from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau, and Japan accounted for 37 percent, 18 percent, and 14 percent of the total, respectively.