Taichung takes the global tourism stage! The 1st Global City Tourism Summit, co-organized by the Busan Metropolitan City Government, the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO), and the Busan Tourism Organization, was recently held grandly. Representing the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau, Deputy Director Tsai Tsung-Sheng attended the event and joined representatives from more than 20 cities—including those from Korea, France, Japan, and Malaysia—in signing the Global City Tourism Joint Declaration. This demonstrates Taichung’s firm commitment to advancing sustainable tourism and strengthening international cooperation, as the city continues to move toward its goal of becoming a world-class metropolis.
Director Chen Mei-Hsiu of the Tourism and Travel Bureau noted that the Joint Declaration, themed “Promoting Local Tourism and Culture through Innovation and Collaboration,” echoes Taichung’s long-standing commitment to sustainable and low-carbon tourism policies. Taichung has been recognized for two consecutive years among the “Green Destination Top 100 Stories” worldwide. In 2024, the city showcased its sustainable vision of integrating local culture and ecology through the Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival, while in 2025, the Huanshan Hunters’ Trail highlights the harmonious coexistence of culture and nature. The Global City Tourism Joint Declaration emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing among international cities, focusing on respect for local culture, promotion of community engagement, and the use of technology—principles that align closely with the core policies long advocated by the Tourism and Travel Bureau. Taichung continues to put sustainability into practice, share its experiences globally, and demonstrate its determination to strengthen connections and expand its influence on the world tourism stage.
Director Chen further noted that, in addition to exchanging experiences, the summit also provided opportunities for bilateral meetings with the Busan Metropolitan City Government, TPO, major Korean travel agency Hana Tour, and Eastar Jet Airlines. The discussions covered topics such as tourism promotion, travel product marketing, and direct flight collaborations. As South Korea is one of Taichung’s key international tourism markets, Chen expressed hopes that these exchanges will help attract more Korean travelers to Taichung to experience the city’s diverse charm.
The Tourism and Travel Bureau added that during the summit, the Global City Tourism Roadshow was held concurrently, where the Taichung booth showcased the city’s diverse appeal—from natural landscapes and shopping and entertainment to its culinary culture. With up to four direct flights per day from South Korea to Taichung during the winter season, the booth attracted a large number of Korean visitors eager for travel information. Attractions such as the sunset at Gaomei Wetlands, night market delicacies, and Central Taiwan travel itineraries became popular topics among attendees. The Taichung booth also drew significant attention from international representatives and media, emerging as one of the highlights of the event.
According to the Tourism and Travel Bureau, during the summit, representatives from various cities were also invited to visit Taichung in 2026 for the 10th TPO Forum, where they will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the city’s diverse landscapes and livable charm—from its mountain townsips and coastal areas to its vibrant urban districts. Through participation in the Global City Tourism Summit in Busan, Taichung once again showcased its strength in sustainable tourism on the international stage. Looking ahead, the city will continue to expand global marketing efforts and strengthen urban diplomacy, allowing more travelers to personally experience the warm hospitality and distinctive allure of Taichung.