Taipei Tourism Expo Kicks Off; Early Booking and Thematic Travel Trends Emerge

Central News Agency (Taipei, May 23) The 20th Taipei Tourism Expo (TTE) is being held at the Taipei World Trade Center, attracting large crowds. Travel industry experts observe that due to geopolitical risks and oil price fluctuations, travel demand is showing a trend toward early booking, and consumers are placing greater emphasis on the thematic appeal and attractiveness of travel products when making choices. The 20th TTE is taking place from yesterday through the 25th at the Taipei World Trade Center, bringing together airlines, travel agencies, and overseas tourism organizations to attract visitors looking for deals or planning their trips. Lion Travel told the Central News Agency that this year's travel market shows a clear shift in destinations. Due to geopolitical influences, demand for Japan and South Korea has grown by about 30%, and long-haul routes to Oceania and North America have also seen significant growth, indicating that consumers tend to prioritize relatively safe destinations. Ezfly Travel stated that due to fluctuations in fuel surcharges and ticket prices, inquiries about low-cost carriers (LCCs) have increased significantly. Because of the price gap between LCCs and traditional airlines, travelers who previously rarely considered LCCs are gradually increasing their inquiries and acceptance. Regarding booking and product aspects, Lion Travel pointed out that to cope with changes in fuel surcharges, travelers are planning their trips much further in advance, with bookings already reaching the first quarter of 2027. Thematic travel, such as sports and rail tourism, is also very popular, with limited spots for events like the Kobe and Chicago marathons already being booked by groups. Cola Tour, in response to the recent popularity of the Korean drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' has launched related itineraries, allowing travelers to participate in traditional festivals and experience the atmosphere firsthand. As summer vacation approaches, family tours remain a primary choice for parents. With seasonal changes, travel demand also varies: autumn is dominated by maple viewing, while winter is popular for ski trips, with professional ski tours being more popular than simple snow play.