Taiwan envoy asks for visa-free travel

CEBU, Philippines —  Taiwan Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu is asking the tourism stakeholders to ask the Philippine government to grant visa-free travel among Taiwanese going to the Philippines.

Hsu, during the Taiwan Tourism Workshop in Cebu, said they expect 300,000 Taiwanese going to the country this year, especially with 70 flights per week.

He said that the number of Taiwanese coming to the country will increase to at least one million, if the Philippines grants a visa-free travel to their nationals.

Hsu also recently said he hopes to see more Filipino tourists enjoy the 14-day visa-free program which is valid until July 31, 2023 and travel to Taiwan, as the world is now slowly moving on from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Department of Tourism (DOT)-7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer Judy Gabato, who was present in the event, assured the ambassador that there are now ongoing talks with DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco about this, saying that they will definitely work on any tourism development and promotion in the country.

Gabato said that the event is a timely activity and a welcome opportunity for the continued advancement of the tourism industry both in the Philippines and Taiwan.

She added that tourism is very important to the Philippines, as this empowered the country’s economy, as it creates jobs and more opportunities for Filipinos.

The said event was organized by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, along with Taiwan Visitors Association (TVA) and Taiwan tourism industry, which is composed of around 12 Taiwanese travel stakeholders like their hotels, airlines, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourist attractions.

Taiwan and the Philippines have been among the top tourism source markets and major travel destinations for each other. —  GAN (FREEMAN)