The 2024 Taichung Shopping Festival had achieved outstanding results, generating a total registered spending amount of NT$35.3 billion. The Taichung Pass (TCPASS) app has surpassed 2.8 million downloads, with over 1.65 million registered members. The festival attracted international participation from over 40 countries, including Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, the United States, Andorra, Macau, and the Philippines, with a total of 2,784 foreign travelers registering their purchases, amounting to more than NT$43 million. This reflects Taichung’s appeal as a global city.

 Foreign Traveler Participation and Spending Rankings

 According to Taichung City Government’s Economic Development Bureau (EDB) Director, Chang Feng-Yuan, the event app was integrated into the TCPASS in 2022 (the 4th edition), introducing data analytics features. Since 2024, nationality has been a mandatory field during registration. The statistics reveal that 2,784 foreign travelers participated this year, with the top three countries being:

1. Malaysia – 633 participants
2. Mainland China – 434 participants
3. Hong Kong – 403 participants

Other notable participant numbers include Vietnam (250), Japan (182), Indonesia (152), the United States (63), Andorra (59), Macau (54), and the Philippines (46).

In terms of registered spending, the top three nationalities were:

1. Mainland China – NT$11.51 million
2. Hong Kong – NT$8.96 million
3. Malaysia – NT$8.83 million

Other countries, including the United States, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia, also recorded over NT$1 million in spending.

 Key Marketing Strategies for International Growth

 Director Chang highlighted three major marketing strategies that contributed to the festival’s success:

1. International Video Marketing:

Collaborated with representatives from Japan, Korea, and the United States in Taiwan to film promotional videos.

Each video garnered over 250,000 views online.

2. Expanded Global Promotion:

Widely disseminated festival-related content through international English-language media platforms.

Reached 47 countries, including Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.

Promoted the festival to over 500 hotels across Asia.

3. Multilingual App Interface:

The event app now supports Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, making it easier for foreign visitors to participate.

 Boosting Taichung’s Tourism and Economy

 According to Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, during the festival period, Taichung saw an influx of foreign visitors, with the top three source regions being:

1. Hong Kong – 24,954 visitors
2. Vietnam – 9,900 visitors
3. South Korea – 9,618 visitors

This surge in international tourism has significantly contributed to Taichung’s local economy and tourism industry.

 Future Plans: Strengthening Taichung’s International Presence

 The Economic Development Bureau expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation of travelers from over 40 countries. Moving forward, the Taichung City Government will continue to prioritize international marketing, enhance the festival’s global reach, and attract even more international visitors to experience the unique charm of Taichung.