The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023, Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in early 2026. I like travelling to East Asia. I’m pondering a Republic of China (ROC) trip for the later this year. Current affairs make me think I shouldn’t wait too much to revisit Formosa.
Today, 10 October, is the National Day of the Republic of China. It commemorates the start of the Wuchang Uprising on 10 October 1911 which ultimately led to the establishment of the Republic of China on 1 January 1912, and the collapse of the imperial Qing dynasty, ending 2,133 years of imperial rule of China since the Qin dynasty.
Taiwan tourism statistics
Taiwan is attracting increasing numbers of international visitors as the island strengthens its position as a tourism destination in East Asia. Known for its night markets, distinctive food culture, modern cities, historic temples and dramatic natural landscapes, Taiwan offers a combination of urban experiences and outdoor adventures within a relatively compact territory. Although international tourism has recovered substantially since the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers remain below their pre-pandemic peak, leaving the industry with considerable scope for further growth.
The island occupies an interesting position in the regional tourism market. Situated off the southeastern coast of mainland China, Taiwan lies within relatively easy reach of Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. These nearby markets provide a substantial proportion of its international visitors, many of whom arrive for short holidays centred on food, shopping, sightseeing and cultural experiences. Travellers from Europe, North America, and Australia also contribute to inbound tourism, often spending longer exploring the island or combining Taiwan with a wider journey through East Asia.
Taiwan’s appeal extends beyond its capital, Taipei. The island has a well-developed transport network, a strong culinary identity and considerable geographical diversity. Visitors can move from busy commercial districts to historic towns, coastal landscapes, hot-spring resorts and mountainous national parks without having to travel enormous distances. This combination makes Taiwan suitable for both short city breaks and more extensive holidays.
The tourism industry also plays an important role in the wider service economy, supporting accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, transport operators, cultural institutions and businesses in smaller communities. As the international market continues to recover, the challenge is to attract more visitors while encouraging them to stay longer and explore destinations beyond the capital.
International visitor numbers are recovering
Taiwan welcomed approximately eight and a half million international visitors in the latest full year, continuing the recovery that followed the reopening of international travel. The total increased compared with the previous year, reflecting renewed demand from regional markets and growing interest in Taiwan as a holiday destination.
However, the island has not yet returned to the visitor numbers recorded before the pandemic. In the final full year before COVID-19 disrupted international travel, Taiwan welcomed almost twelve million visitors. The difference illustrates both the progress made since travel restrictions were lifted and the scale of the remaining challenge.
Tourism revenue has also increased alongside arrivals. International visitors generate income through accommodation, dining, shopping, transport and sightseeing, making tourism an important source of revenue for Taiwan’s service sector. The growth in spending has been encouraging, although the relationship between arrivals and expenditure depends on factors such as the countries visitors come from, how long they stay and the types of activities they undertake.
Visitor statistics require some interpretation. Official totals generally count arrivals rather than unique individuals, meaning that someone who visits Taiwan several times can be counted on each occasion. The figures also include business travellers and people visiting relatives, rather than exclusively holidaymakers. International arrivals therefore provide a useful measure of inbound travel but do not represent a direct count of tourists on leisure trips.
The recovery has also varied between source markets. Some neighbouring countries have maintained strong travel links with Taiwan, while other markets have taken longer to regain their former volumes. Changes in airline capacity, economic conditions and travel regulations can all influence the number and profile of visitors.
Where do Taiwan’s visitors come from?
Taiwan’s international tourism market is dominated by travellers from Asia. Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea are among its largest individual source markets, reflecting geographical proximity, frequent air connections and established cultural and commercial links.
Japanese visitors are attracted by Taiwanese cuisine, shopping districts, temples, hot springs and the convenience of exploring the island by public transport. The two destinations are well connected by air, making Taiwan a practical choice for both short breaks and longer holidays. Familiarity with each other’s cultures also helps sustain travel in both directions.
Hong Kong is another important market. Frequent flights and a relatively short journey make Taiwan accessible for weekend trips and holidays lasting several days. Visitors can concentrate on Taipei’s restaurants and shopping areas or use the capital as a base for excursions to historic towns, coastal attractions and the countryside.
South Korean travellers are similarly drawn by Taiwan’s food culture, shopping opportunities and urban attractions. Taiwanese restaurants and night markets have become part of the destination’s appeal for visitors seeking a holiday that combines sightseeing with local culinary experiences.
Together, these nearby markets account for a substantial share of international arrivals. Their importance reflects the wider pattern of Asian tourism, in which short-haul travel allows people to visit another country without taking extended leave or spending a large proportion of their holiday budget on transport.
Southeast Asia’s growing importance
Southeast Asia provides another important source of visitors. Travellers from the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia contribute to Taiwan’s international tourism market, although their reasons for visiting vary.
Singaporean and Malaysian visitors often travel independently, combining food, shopping and urban sightseeing with excursions into the countryside. Visitors from Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines include holidaymakers as well as people travelling for business, education and family-related purposes.
Taiwan’s economic connections with Southeast Asia also generate travel beyond conventional leisure tourism. The island has extensive commercial links with the region, while international students and migrant workers contribute to movement between Taiwan and their countries of origin. Visits to relatives and friends are therefore an important part of the wider picture.
The diversity of these markets gives Taiwan a broad base of potential visitors. It also means that changes in travel demand can have different effects on the industry depending on the purpose of travel, the duration of visits and the expenditure generated.
Visitors from Europe, North America and Australia
The United States is one of Taiwan’s most important long-haul markets. American visitors are attracted by the island’s food culture, urban life, museums, temples and natural landscapes. Taiwan’s importance in the international technology industry also generates business travel, with visitors attending meetings, conferences and commercial events.
European visitors represent a smaller market than travellers from neighbouring Asian destinations, but they contribute to the island’s international profile.
Travellers from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are among the European nationalities visiting Taiwan. Some come specifically to explore the island, while others incorporate it into a wider itinerary through East Asia.
For European travellers, the journey requires more planning than a short flight from Japan or South Korea. As a result, many devote more time to exploring the destination, combining Taipei with historic cities, coastal scenery and mountainous regions. Taiwan’s transport network makes such itineraries feasible without requiring visitors to hire a car.
Australia and New Zealand also contribute to international tourism. Visitors from these countries are attracted by Taiwan’s food, culture, urban attractions and opportunities for outdoor activities. As with other long-haul markets, the island can be a destination in its own right or part of a longer journey through the region.
Mainland China and cross-strait travel
Mainland China occupies a distinctive position in Taiwan’s tourism market because travel between the two sides is influenced by political relations and administrative restrictions as well as ordinary tourism demand.
Visitors from mainland China have historically been an important part of Taiwan’s inbound market, but cross-strait travel has been affected by changes in policy. The resulting fluctuations illustrate how tourism can be shaped by factors beyond airline capacity, prices and consumer preferences.
It is also important to distinguish between mainland Chinese holidaymakers and overseas Chinese visitors, who may be recorded in different statistical categories. Figures based on nationality, residence and immigration classifications do not always describe identical groups. Comparisons between source markets therefore need to take these differences into account.
How do international visitors enter Taiwan?
Air travel is by far the principal means of reaching Taiwan. The island has no international road or rail crossings, and visitors from Europe, North America, Australia and most of Asia generally arrive by plane.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the principal international gateway. Located outside Taipei, it handles the bulk of the island’s international air traffic and offers connections to major cities throughout Asia, as well as long-haul destinations. Travellers can reach central Taipei by the Taoyuan Airport MRT, airport buses, taxis and other road transport.
Taipei Songshan Airport, situated closer to the city centre, serves selected regional routes and domestic services. Kaohsiung International Airport provides an alternative gateway for travellers heading to southern Taiwan, while Taichung and other airports handle more limited international or regional traffic.
The choice of airport can influence an itinerary. Travellers arriving at Taoyuan commonly begin their visit in Taipei before exploring other parts of the island.
Those arriving in Kaohsiung can start in the south, combining the city’s waterfront and cultural attractions with visits to Tainan and other nearby destinations.
Air connectivity is central to Taiwan’s tourism industry. Frequent services from neighbouring countries make short holidays possible, while long-haul connections allow visitors from Europe and North America to reach the island without necessarily having to make a separate regional flight.
Cruise ships and arrivals by sea
Cruise tourism provides a smaller but visible alternative to air travel. Taiwan is included in some regional cruise itineraries linking destinations in East Asia, allowing passengers to visit the island as part of a wider voyage.
Keelung, near Taipei, is an important port for cruise visitors who want to explore the capital and its surroundings. Kaohsiung also receives maritime traffic and provides access to southern Taiwan.
Cruise passengers generally have less time ashore than visitors who arrive by air and stay in hotels. Depending on the itinerary, a port call may allow time for a selection of major attractions, a meal and some shopping, but not an extensive exploration of the island.
Cruise tourism can nevertheless introduce Taiwan to people who might subsequently return for a longer holiday. Its economic contribution differs from that of overnight tourism, however, because passengers may spend less time in the destination and make different use of accommodation, transport and other services.
Visa-free entry and accessibility
Taiwan’s entry arrangements help facilitate international tourism. Belgian citizens and many other European travellers, including those from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, are eligible for visa-exempt entry for stays of up to ninety days under the applicable rules. Visitors from several other major markets, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, also benefit from visa-exemption arrangements.
Eligibility and permitted stays depend on nationality and the applicable entry requirements, so travellers should check the latest official information before departure. Even so, visa-free access removes an administrative obstacle for many prospective visitors and makes it easier to arrange independent holidays.
The arrival experience is also supported by Taiwan’s transport infrastructure. Travellers landing at Taoyuan can reach Taipei without arranging a domestic flight, while the island’s railway network provides convenient connections between major cities. This accessibility is particularly valuable for visitors who want to explore several destinations during a relatively short stay.
How long do visitors stay in Taiwan?
Taiwan attracts a mixture of short-break travellers and visitors who spend a week or longer exploring the island. According to the Tourism Administration‘s survey of international visitors, the average stay in the latest full year was just under seven nights.
That average has remained relatively stable compared with the previous year, while being longer than the average recorded before the pandemic. It suggests that Taiwan continues to attract visitors who spend enough time to explore beyond a single city, even as international arrivals increase.
The overall figure nevertheless conceals considerable differences between markets and travel purposes. Visitors from nearby destinations can arrange a long weekend or a short holiday, concentrating on Taipei’s shopping districts, night markets, temples and restaurants. Others combine the capital with a day trip to a nearby historic town or scenic area.
A stay of several nights provides more opportunities to explore. Visitors can spend time in Taipei, travel by high-speed train to central or southern Taiwan, and visit places such as Taichung, Tainan or Kaohsiung. Travellers interested in nature can also include hot springs, mountain landscapes and coastal destinations in their itineraries.
Long-haul visitors from Europe and North America may devote more time to the island because of the distance involved in reaching it. Some combine Taiwan with Japan or South Korea, while others make Taiwan their principal destination for a longer holiday.
The official average also includes people who stay for extended periods, including some business travellers and people visiting friends and relatives. It should therefore not be interpreted as the duration of a typical leisure holiday for every nationality.
The distinction matters when assessing tourism’s economic contribution. Longer stays generally create more opportunities for expenditure on accommodation, restaurants, transport and attractions. Encouraging visitors to remain on the island for longer and explore several regions can therefore benefit a wider range of businesses.
Tourism expenditure: accommodation, food and shopping
International tourism generates substantial income for Taiwan’s service economy. Visitors spend money on hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, local transport, retail purchases, cultural attractions and excursions.
Accommodation represents the largest category of international visitor expenditure, reflecting the importance of overnight tourism. Food is another major component, followed by shopping. These patterns are closely linked to Taiwan’s appeal as a destination where culinary experiences and everyday urban culture are central to a holiday.
The island’s food culture is one of its strongest attractions. Visitors can sample regional dishes in traditional restaurants, explore street-food stalls, visit tea shops and spend evenings wandering through night markets. Food is accessible across a range of budgets, allowing travellers to experience local cuisine without relying exclusively on expensive restaurants.
Shopping also plays a significant role. Visitors explore department stores, independent shops, traditional markets and specialist retail districts. Depending on their interests, purchases can include clothing, cosmetics, local products, souvenirs and food items to take home.
Spending varies between source markets. Visitors from the United States have been among the highest-spending international groups on a daily basis, while travellers from several other markets also contribute substantially to tourism revenue. Visitors from Hong Kong are particularly relevant to retail spending, reflecting the importance of shopping within the wider regional travel market.
These differences show why tourism policy cannot be judged solely by the number of arrivals. A visitor who stays for a week and travels across the island may generate more income for local businesses than someone who arrives on a short excursion. Equally, visitors staying in higher-priced accommodation may contribute more to measured expenditure than those travelling on a tight budget.
For Taiwan, encouraging longer stays and visits to a broader range of destinations offers a way to spread tourism revenue beyond the principal gateways and most heavily visited districts.
Taipei: the principal attraction for international visitors
Taipei is the natural starting point for many holidays in Taiwan. The capital combines a modern skyline with historic temples, traditional neighbourhoods, museums, shopping districts and a lively restaurant scene.
Taipei 101 remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. The skyscraper stands in the Xinyi district, an area characterised by shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and commercial developments. Its observation facilities offer views across the city towards the surrounding hills.
The National Palace Museum houses an important collection of Chinese imperial art and historical objects. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall provides another major cultural landmark, while Longshan Temple offers a view of Taiwan’s religious traditions and the role of temples in urban life.
Older neighbourhoods provide a contrast to the modern business districts. Dadaocheng, historically associated with trade and commerce, has traditional shopfronts, tea businesses and streets that reflect Taipei’s earlier development. Visitors can explore these areas on foot, stopping at cafés, food stalls and small shops.
Night markets are among the capital’s best-known attractions. Shilin, Raohe Street, and Ningxia are popular destinations for people interested in Taiwanese street food and informal shopping. Their appeal lies not only in the food on offer but also in the opportunity to experience a lively part of everyday urban life.
Taipei’s public transport system makes the city relatively easy to explore without a car. The metro connects many of the principal attractions, while buses and railway services provide access to surrounding districts and nearby destinations.
Beyond the capital: historic towns, coastlines and mountains
Taiwan’s tourism appeal extends well beyond Taipei. The island’s compact geography makes it possible to combine urban sightseeing with visits to historic towns, coastal landscapes and mountain areas during the same holiday.
Jiufen, situated in the hills northeast of Taipei, is known for its narrow lanes, traditional teahouses, lantern-lit streets and views towards the coast. Its historic character makes it a popular excursion, although crowds can be substantial during weekends and holiday periods.
The surrounding region offers coastal scenery, rock formations and fishing villages, giving visitors a different perspective on Taiwan’s landscape. These destinations can be reached on day trips from Taipei, making them particularly suitable for travellers with limited time.
Taiwan’s mountainous interior is another major attraction. Forested slopes, river valleys, hot springs and high peaks provide opportunities for hiking, cycling and nature-based tourism. The contrast between densely populated cities and expansive mountain scenery is one of the island’s defining characteristics.
Taroko Gorge, in eastern Taiwan, has traditionally been among the best-known natural attractions. Its marble cliffs, steep-sided valleys and river scenery have made it a highlight of many itineraries. However, the area has been affected by the major earthquake in April 2024 and subsequent recovery work. Access conditions can change, so travellers should consult official information before planning excursions.
The east coast offers a quieter alternative to the urban west. Hualien and Taitung provide access to coastal landscapes, rural communities and mountain scenery, while the Pacific-facing routes appeal to visitors interested in cycling and scenic railway journeys.
Hot-spring destinations provide another dimension to Taiwan’s tourism offer. Beitou, near Taipei, is among the best-known, while other areas across the island combine thermal waters with mountain landscapes and resort accommodation.
The offshore islands offer further opportunities for exploration. Penghu is known for its beaches, geological formations and water-based activities, while other islands attract visitors interested in marine environments and distinctive local cultures.
These destinations can encourage longer stays and distribute tourism expenditure beyond the main urban centres. They also require more planning than a conventional city break, particularly when access depends on local transport, weather conditions or the availability of accommodation.
Tainan and Kaohsiung: discovering southern Taiwan
Southern Taiwan offers a different blend of history, food culture, waterfront attractions and contemporary architecture.
Tainan is one of the island’s oldest cities and is particularly important for visitors interested in temples, historic streets and traditional cuisine. Its heritage reflects centuries of settlement and trade, with old forts, religious buildings and historic commercial districts providing a contrast to Taipei’s modern skyline.
The city is also renowned for its food. Visitors can explore traditional restaurants and street stalls serving regional specialities, making Tainan an appealing destination for travellers who want to understand Taiwanese cuisine beyond the capital’s most familiar dishes.
Kaohsiung, meanwhile, has developed a strong urban tourism offer around its harbour, cultural venues and waterfront. The Pier-2 Art Center occupies former port warehouses converted into exhibition spaces and creative venues. The Love River and Lotus Pond offer further opportunities for sightseeing, while the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum provides a major religious and cultural attraction outside the city centre.
The growing popularity of southern Taiwan is important to the wider tourism industry. Taipei remains the principal gateway and the most visited region, but southern destinations allow visitors to experience different aspects of the island’s history, architecture and contemporary life.
The high-speed railway along the western corridor makes it relatively straightforward to travel between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung.
Conventional railway services provide additional connections, including routes that offer a more leisurely way to explore parts of the island.
This transport network allows visitors to combine several cities without hiring a car or taking domestic flights. For travellers spending a week or longer in Taiwan, it provides a practical way to experience the country’s regional diversity.
Domestic tourism: a substantial market in its own right
International arrivals account for only part of Taiwan’s tourism economy. Domestic tourism is also substantial, with residents travelling for weekends, family visits, food, recreation, festivals and holidays.
The domestic market supports accommodation providers, restaurants, cultural attractions and transport operators throughout the island. Residents can take short excursions to coastal destinations, visit hot-spring resorts, explore mountain areas or travel to other cities for food and cultural experiences.
Domestic travel is often shorter than international holidays. Many trips are day excursions, while others involve overnight stays during weekends and public holidays. Taiwan’s railway network, urban public transport and road connections make these journeys relatively convenient.
A strong domestic market can help tourism businesses remain active even when international arrivals fluctuate. It also supports destinations that may be less familiar to overseas visitors, helping local attractions and businesses develop an audience beyond the international tourism sector.
Domestic and international tourism figures should not be directly compared, however, because they measure different types of travel. A domestic trip may last only a day, while an international arrival can involve a stay of several nights or considerably longer.
Challenges: recovering visitor numbers and spreading tourism benefits
Despite the renewed growth in international arrivals, Taiwan’s tourism industry still faces the challenge of returning to its pre-pandemic level. Competition is strong across East Asia, where destinations such as Japan and South Korea attract international visitors with established tourism infrastructure, distinctive food cultures and extensive transport networks.
Taiwan’s strengths include its convenient public transport, culinary identity, urban attractions and combination of mountains, coastline and historic towns.
Maintaining these advantages while developing new tourism experiences will be important in attracting visitors who might otherwise choose another destination in the region.
Visitor satisfaction is encouragingly high, and repeat travel is an important part of the market. Nevertheless, positive visitor experiences do not automatically translate into further growth. The industry also needs sufficient air connections, competitive accommodation, effective promotion and reliable access to attractions.
Another challenge is distributing tourism expenditure geographically. Taipei and northern Taiwan remain the main entry points, but destinations elsewhere on the island have the potential to benefit from longer stays and better promotion. Encouraging travellers to explore the south, east coast and offshore islands could help spread economic benefits to a wider range of communities.
There are practical limitations. Popular attractions can become crowded, while smaller destinations may have limited accommodation or transport capacity. Mountain areas can also be affected by earthquakes, heavy rainfall and typhoons, which may damage infrastructure or restrict access.
The earthquake that affected eastern Taiwan in 2024 illustrates the vulnerability of natural tourism destinations to major events. Visitors planning to explore mountain regions need to check current conditions and allow flexibility in their itineraries. Sustainable tourism development must take account of environmental protection, public safety and the needs of residents.
Taiwan’s reliance on air travel is another consideration. The island has no international road or rail connections, so its accessibility depends heavily on airline capacity and competitive airfares. Changes in flight schedules can influence demand, particularly from long-haul markets where travel requires more time and expense.
Outlook: more than a stop in East Asia
Taiwan’s tourism industry has continued to grow as international travel recovers, but the gap with pre-pandemic visitor numbers shows that the process is not complete. The island nevertheless has a strong foundation on which to build.
Its established attractions provide a varied tourism offer.
Taipei combines urban culture, shopping and food, Tainan offers historic depth and traditional cuisine, and Kaohsiung provides a modern waterfront and cultural venues. Beyond the cities, visitors can explore mountain landscapes, hot springs, coastal scenery and communities with distinctive local traditions.
The average stay of almost a week gives many visitors time to experience several of these destinations in one journey. The railway network makes it feasible to combine major cities with excursions into the countryside, while the island’s culinary diversity offers a reason to explore different regions rather than remain in a single location.
International tourism also generates substantial revenue for Taiwan’s service economy, supporting accommodation, restaurants, retail businesses and cultural attractions. Continued growth could strengthen these benefits, particularly if visitors are encouraged to stay longer and spend more time outside the principal urban centres.
The long-term opportunity is to position Taiwan as more than a brief stop on a wider East Asian itinerary. Its combination of food, history, contemporary urban life and natural scenery makes it a destination capable of supporting a varied holiday. If Taiwan can continue to attract international visitors while encouraging them to explore more of the island, tourism can make a growing contribution to local businesses and communities throughout the country.
How tourism works in Taiwan and what it means for the island
Tourism in Taiwan is managed primarily by the Tourism Administration, which operates under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Its responsibilities include promoting Taiwan internationally, developing tourism products, supporting the tourism industry and collecting statistics on international and domestic travel. The sector brings together public authorities, airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, railway companies, cultural institutions and businesses that cater to visitors.
The industry has two complementary markets. International tourism brings money into Taiwan from overseas, while domestic tourism encourages residents to travel within the island. Both support accommodation, food services, retail and transport, although domestic tourism is particularly important for destinations that receive relatively few international visitors.
International visitors generate substantial economic activity. Their spending supports hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, shops, attractions and local transport operators. The benefits extend beyond Taipei, particularly when visitors travel to historic towns, mountain areas and coastal communities. Tourism can create employment and provide additional income for small businesses, while helping preserve traditional food culture, historic buildings and local crafts by giving them an economic role in contemporary life.
The sector also has limitations. Jobs in hospitality can be seasonal, and smaller businesses may be vulnerable to fluctuations in international travel. Tourism revenue is not distributed evenly: hotels and attractions in popular urban destinations can benefit considerably, while remote communities may receive relatively little of the overall expenditure. The cost of providing transport, maintaining public spaces and managing natural attractions also needs to be considered when assessing tourism’s wider economic contribution.
Taiwan’s domestic tourism market provides a degree of resilience. Residents regularly travel for food, recreation, festivals and short holidays, supporting businesses even when international demand weakens. The pandemic demonstrated the importance of this market when international travel collapsed and residents increasingly turned to domestic destinations.
What is there to see and do?
Taiwan’s tourism offer is unusually varied for an island of its size. Taipei is the principal starting point, combining contemporary architecture, museums, historic temples, shopping districts and night markets. Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple are among the city’s best-known attractions. The night markets are an important part of the visitor experience, offering street food, snacks, drinks and informal shopping in lively neighbourhoods.
Beyond the capital, visitors can explore Jiufen’s historic hillside streets and teahouses, the scenic surroundings of Sun Moon Lake, the forests and railway heritage of Alishan, and the hot springs around Beitou. Tainan offers historic temples, old forts and a distinctive culinary tradition, while Kaohsiung combines harbour scenery, cultural venues and contemporary urban attractions.
Nature is another major attraction. Taiwan’s mountainous interior offers hiking trails, forest landscapes, waterfalls and high peaks, while its coastlines and offshore islands provide opportunities for cycling, beaches and marine activities. Taroko Gorge has traditionally been one of the island’s most celebrated natural landmarks, although access has been affected by the 2024 earthquake and subsequent recovery work. Travellers should check current safety and access information before visiting.
Taiwan’s indigenous communities and cultures also form part of the island’s heritage. Visitors can learn about indigenous history, traditional crafts and regional customs through cultural centres, museums and community-based experiences. Responsible tourism in these settings requires respect for local traditions and the wishes of the communities concerned.
The island’s railway network makes it possible to combine several destinations in one holiday. High-speed trains connect major cities along the western corridor, while conventional railways offer access to smaller towns and scenic regions. This helps visitors experience more than Taipei without having to hire a car.
Does Taiwan have a problem with overtourism?
Taiwan experiences overcrowding at particular attractions and during peak travel periods, but it is more accurate to describe the issue as localised tourism pressure rather than a uniform island-wide overtourism crisis. International visitor numbers have recovered since the pandemic, yet they remain below their pre-pandemic peak. The pressure on individual destinations depends on where visitors go, when they travel and how concentrated their activities are.
Taipei’s night markets, popular shopping districts and well-known day-trip destinations can become extremely busy. Jiufen, with its narrow streets and popular teahouses, is particularly susceptible to crowding when tour groups and independent visitors arrive at the same time. Such congestion can make the experience less enjoyable for tourists and affect residents who use the same streets and public transport.
The problem is not simply the number of people visiting Taiwan. It is also the concentration of visitors in a relatively small number of places. When large numbers of travellers follow similar itineraries, the pressure on pedestrian areas, public transport, waste collection and local services can be disproportionate to the overall volume of tourism.
Natural attractions face different challenges. Mountain trails, scenic areas and coastal destinations may have limited infrastructure, while heavy rainfall, earthquakes and typhoons can damage roads and restrict access. Promoting a destination without considering its capacity to accommodate visitors can create safety problems and place additional pressure on fragile environments.
Taiwan has several ways to manage these pressures. Visitor information can encourage travel outside peak hours, public transport can reduce reliance on private cars, and better promotion of lesser-known destinations can distribute visitors more widely. Reservations, visitor management measures and temporary access restrictions may also be appropriate where environmental conditions or safety concerns require them.
There is evidence that Taiwanese residents themselves have responded to crowded attractions by choosing outdoor activities and alternative destinations. The Tourism Administration’s annual report noted that domestic travellers had increasingly favoured outdoor tourism to avoid crowded places following the pandemic.
Nevertheless, the available evidence does not justify describing Taiwan as suffering from the same kind of pervasive overtourism sometimes associated with heavily visited historic cities or resort islands. The more useful question is how individual destinations manage visitor numbers, protect their environments and ensure that tourism remains beneficial to residents.
Taiwan’s challenge is to grow its international market without allowing its most popular attractions to become overwhelmed. Encouraging longer stays and travel to several regions could help achieve that balance, provided the necessary transport, accommodation and environmental safeguards are in place.
Belgian visitors to Taiwan and Belgians living on the island
Belgium is a relatively small source market for Taiwan, but the number of Belgian visitors has increased as international travel has recovered. Taiwan’s official visitor statistics recorded 9,754 arrivals from Belgium in 2025, compared with 7,976 in 2024 and 6,762 in 2023. The 2025 total was also higher than the figure recorded before the pandemic, when Taiwan received 8,980 Belgian arrivals in 2019. These figures count arrivals, not necessarily individual Belgian tourists, and include business and other travel purposes as well as holidays.
Belgian visitors can explore Taiwan through direct or connecting flights, although the journey from Belgium normally involves travelling via another international airport. Taipei is the principal gateway for a first visit, with the island’s railway network making it possible to combine the capital with destinations such as Tainan, Kaohsiung, Sun Moon Lake, and the east coast.
For Belgian travellers, Taiwan offers a combination of experiences that can be difficult to find together in a single European destination. Its night markets and food culture provide a distinctive urban experience, while historic temples, Japanese-era architecture, indigenous heritage and dramatic mountain scenery offer opportunities to explore the island beyond its modern cities. Taiwan is also attractive to visitors interested in public transport, technology and contemporary Asian culture.
The relatively modest number of Belgian arrivals reflects the distance between the two destinations and the much larger volumes of visitors Taiwan receives from nearby Asian markets. Nevertheless, the upward trend suggests that Taiwan is becoming a more established destination for Belgian travellers.
Are there Belgians living in Taiwan?
Yes. There are Belgians living in Taiwan, including people working for international companies, businesses involved in trade and technology, universities and research institutions. Others may be there for diplomatic, educational or personal reasons.
However, establishing the exact size of the Belgian community is more difficult than counting tourist arrivals.
The Belgian Office in Taipei provides consular services for Belgian citizens, including registration for those who move to Taiwan for an extended period. Consular registration is voluntary, however, so the number of registered Belgians cannot automatically be treated as a complete count of everyone living on the island.
It is therefore safest to describe the Belgian community in Taiwan as a relatively small expatriate population rather than attach a precise figure without a reliable, current source. Temporary residents, people working on international assignments and Belgians who have settled permanently may also be counted differently in official statistics.
Taiwanese people visiting Belgium for tourism
The movement of travellers between Taiwan and Belgium is part of a wider relationship involving tourism, trade, education and cultural exchange. For Taiwanese visitors, Belgium offers historic cities, medieval architecture, art museums, distinctive food and drink, and convenient connections to other European countries.
Brussels is a natural starting point. Its Grand-Place, historic centre, museums and Art Nouveau architecture provide a concentrated introduction to Belgian history and culture. Visitors can also explore the country’s culinary traditions, from chocolate and waffles to regional dishes and speciality restaurants.
Bruges and Ghent are particularly attractive to visitors interested in historic architecture and picturesque urban landscapes. Antwerp offers a different experience through its fashion and design industries, museums, port heritage and historic centre. Smaller cities and towns provide opportunities to explore local culture beyond the best-known tourist destinations.
Belgium’s location also makes it practical to combine several countries during one European trip. High-speed rail connections link Brussels with Paris, Amsterdam, London, and other destinations, allowing Taiwanese visitors to incorporate Belgium into a wider itinerary. This is particularly relevant to long-haul travellers who want to see several European countries during a single holiday.
Taiwanese visitors are part of Belgium’s wider Asian tourism market, alongside travellers from Japan, South Korea and other countries in the region. They may travel independently, with organised tours or as part of a longer European journey.
How many Taiwanese tourists visit Belgium?
A precise figure for Taiwanese tourists visiting Belgium is not directly comparable with Taiwan’s published statistics for Belgian arrivals. Taiwan records people entering the island by their nationality or place of residence, while Belgian tourism statistics commonly measure arrivals and overnight stays in tourist accommodation. These datasets use different definitions and do not necessarily capture the same population.
Belgium’s official statistical office, Statbel, publishes tourism figures that include countries of origin and types of accommodation. Its national statistics recorded nearly 45 million overnight stays in tourist accommodation in 2024, a record at the time. However, an overnight stay is not the same as an individual visitor, and accommodation statistics do not capture every person who visits Belgium, particularly those staying with friends or relatives.
Consequently, it would be misleading to provide a precise annual total for Taiwanese tourists in Belgium without checking the relevant nationality-specific or residence-specific data. The number of Taiwanese arrivals at Belgian accommodation establishments would also differ from the number of Taiwanese citizens who enter the country during a wider European trip.
The available evidence nevertheless places Taiwanese visitors within a broader pattern of long-haul tourism to Belgium. The country’s historic cities, museums, food culture and convenient rail connections make it an attractive destination for travellers exploring Western Europe.
Taiwanese people living in Belgium
Belgium is also home to Taiwanese residents, although the community is relatively small compared with the country’s larger foreign-origin populations. Taiwanese people live in Belgium for a variety of reasons, including employment, higher education, research, business and family relationships.
Brussels is an important centre for international work and diplomacy, while university cities such as Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp attract international students and researchers. Belgium’s position within the European Union and its connections to European institutions and international companies can also provide opportunities for Taiwanese professionals.
The distinction between Taiwanese nationality and Taiwanese origin is important when looking at population statistics. Some people from Taiwan may acquire Belgian nationality, while others retain Taiwanese nationality and live in Belgium on a residence permit. Official statistics based on nationality alone may therefore not capture everyone with Taiwanese roots.
Belgium’s population statistics distinguish between nationality and origin, but identifying the entire Taiwanese community requires data that specifically separates Taiwan from other categories. The general population statistics published by Statbel provide useful information about foreign residents and people with a foreign background, but they do not, by themselves, establish a complete count of Taiwanese people living in Belgium.
It is therefore not possible to give a reliable current total for Taiwanese residents in Belgium on the basis of the sources consulted here. The community includes people with different immigration histories and lengths of residence, and any precise estimate would need to specify whether it counts Taiwanese nationals, people born in Taiwan or people of Taiwanese origin.
A small but meaningful connection between Taiwan and Belgium
Tourism and migration form part of a broader relationship between Taiwan and Belgium. Visitors travel in both directions to explore each other’s culture, architecture, food and landscapes, while students, researchers and professionals contribute to longer-term connections.
For Taiwanese visitors, Belgium offers a compact introduction to European history and culture, with several distinctive cities accessible by train. For Belgians travelling to Taiwan, the attraction lies in the combination of contemporary Asian city life, historic sites, food culture and spectacular natural scenery.
The two-way relationship is relatively modest compared with the much larger flows of travel between Taiwan and neighbouring Asian countries, or between Belgium and its closest European neighbours. Yet tourism, education, business and personal connections give it significance beyond the number of annual arrivals.
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Some tourism statistics
- CURAÇAO | Sustained tourism growth as international demand diversifies.
- ANDORRA | Tourism grew modestly in 2025, with shifting visitor patterns.
- Bonaire bets on quality tourism as visitor numbers reach new highs.
- Antwerp welcomed with almost 3 million day-trippers in 2026 summer.
- SAN MARINO | 2025 record year for tourism.
- MALAYSIA | 42.2 million visitors in 2025, becoming Southeast Asia’s most visited destination.
- American tourists spend big in Belgium as fewer Belgians travel to the United States.
- Belgian Coast boasts record visitor numbers for 2026 summer holiday.
- Switzerland breaks tourism records with almost 44 million overnight stays in 2025.
- Belgium tourism reaches new heights as record visitor numbers underline the country’s growing appeal.
- France welcomes 102 million visitors and earns €77.5 billion from tourism in record-breaking 2025.
- BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS | Tortola at the centre of a record tourism boom.
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | 11.6 million international visitors in 2025.
- Aruba consolidates its position as a tourism powerhouse.
- United Kingdom tourism races past 45 million visitors as cross-Channel travel with Belgium grows.
- ITALY | More than 185 million visitors as tourism surges 7.1% in record year 2025.
- 8.7 billion rail trips in Europe in 2024 as Switzerland leads and Belgium’s data remain unavailable.
- NORWAY | Tourism breaks record with 40.6 million guest nights in 2025.
- NETHERLANDS | Rising international visitor numbers, domestic travel showed signs of stagnation in 2025.
- International tourism to the United States continues to slide in 2026.
- Morocco records historic tourism year with 19.8 million visitors in 2025.
- Flanders continues to grow as a tourist destination with over 15 million visitors in 2025.
- Greece sets new tourism records in 2025 with nearly 38 million visitors.
- Thailand happy with Belgian visitor numbers and welcomes Tomorrowland festival.
- Belgian travel stats to the United States continued to decline throughout 2025.
- Is Greece too popular? 2024 tourism statistics raise overtourism concerns.
- TRAIN TRAVEL | European Union records 429 billion passenger-kilometres in 2023 but domestic travel still dominates.
- 5 million passengers flew from and to Brussels Airport in summer 2025.
- BELGIUM | Flemish museums attracted more than 4.8 million visitors in 2023.
- Belgium sees modest tourism growth in 2024, led by Flanders and Brussels.
- Travel in 2024: Spain, France, USA, China, Mexico lose ground and Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, UAE to grow market share.
- France, Spain, USA, China and Italy most visited countries in the world, Belgium 41st.
- France welcomed 100 million international visitors in 2024.
- Turkey welcomed 62 million international tourists who together spent $61 billion in 2024.
- SPAIN | 94 million international visitors and €108.7 billion tourism income in 2024.
- UN WORLD TOURISM BAROMETER | International tourism recovers pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
- Outside the EU, Europeans mostly travel to Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
- Intra-European travel mostly for fun and / or family.
- Europeans visit other European countries over 7 nights on average.
