Taiwan Tourism Research Institute Officially Launched Today; Founding Chairman Announces Four Core Missions to Shape Tourism Development Decisions

The Taiwan Tourism Research Institute, a foundation jointly funded by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and private organizations, was officially inaugurated today (22nd), announcing its post-establishment operations and research framework. The institute is positioned as a national-level tourism think tank.

Shen Fang-Cheng, Chairman of the Taiwan Tourism Research Institute, stated that the institute will take on four core missions: 'forward-looking research, international connectivity, industry advancement, and talent cultivation.' Through long-term research, data analysis, and cross-domain collaboration, it aims to build a knowledge and decision-support system essential for national tourism development.

The Tourism Bureau noted that amid rapid changes in the global tourism market, as well as multiple challenges including sustainability transformation, digital technology, talent structure, and international competition, Taiwan requires more forward-looking tourism research, real-time market insights, and a professional institution capable of accumulating knowledge over time and linking policy with industry. The institute will be rooted in Taiwan while connecting internationally, continuously monitoring global market trends and traveler behavior changes to assist the government and industry in identifying issues, forecasting trends, and formulating action strategies—shifting Taiwan's tourism from reacting to markets toward anticipating the future.

Shen Fang-Cheng, the founding chairman of the Taiwan Tourism Research Institute and CEO of Lao Yeh Hotels Group, emphasized that the institute will not only be a research and talent development organization but also a professional collaboration platform among government, industry, local communities, and academic institutions. Going forward, it will uphold public mission and professional integrity, actively listening to market and local needs, and providing objective research and data analysis to support policy formulation and industry development. Through public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, it will transform knowledge, experience, and resources from various fields into concrete forces driving tourism development.

Shen highlighted that under 'forward-looking research,' the institute will establish long-term, systematic market observation and research capabilities. 'International connectivity' will link with international organizations, research institutions, and tourism professional networks to introduce global best practices and promote Taiwan's tourism achievements and values worldwide. 'Industry advancement' will involve deep engagement with local communities and industry stakeholders to address operational, sustainability, and digital transformation challenges. 'Talent cultivation' will develop training and certification mechanisms aligned with future industry needs, enhancing the professional capabilities of Taiwan's tourism services and management.

Yang Sheng-Ping, President of the Taiwan Tourism Research Institute, stated that the institute will respond to policy through research and support industry through expertise. It will soon launch a nationwide industry consultation tour to deeply understand the practical challenges faced by localities and industries, while expanding domestic and international tourism research networks to gradually build a complete knowledge chain—from data collection and research analysis to policy recommendations and industry applications.

The first wave of research will focus on Taiwan's mid-to-long-term tourism development and international market strategy, including the 2040 National Tourism Development Blueprint, Taiwan's tourism image and brand components, target market positioning, and the core competitiveness of Taiwanese-style service. These efforts aim to establish a more comprehensive knowledge foundation and policy vision for the next phase of Taiwan's tourism development.

Additionally, the institute will engage in research on sustainable tourism development blueprints, economic impact assessments of tourism events, and inbound dynamic data studies. It will also promote certification programs for local tour guides and establish digital certification systems for tourism professionals, transforming research outcomes into professional foundations and actionable plans for policy development, local growth, industry upgrading, and talent cultivation.

In terms of international cooperation, the institute will continue expanding exchanges with international tourism organizations, think tanks, and research institutions, and plans to host an international symposium in 2027 to create a dialogue platform between Taiwan and the global tourism professional community. Through international trend monitoring, research exchange, and collaborative networks, it aims to enhance Taiwan's ability to participate in global tourism discussions and contribute professional perspectives.