Lai Qingde: Targeting 10 Million Annual International Tourists from 2030, Tourism Output to Surpass Trillion NT$

President Lai Qingde attended the opening ceremony of the '2026 Taiwan Food Festival' today (31st), stating that the festival not only allows people to savor local cuisines but also serves as a vital platform for promoting tourism development and international exchange. He emphasized that the government will continue integrating food, scenic trails, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) industries to achieve the goal of welcoming 10 million international visitors annually from 2030 onward and surpassing one trillion NT$ in tourism output. He also encouraged the public to visit the exhibition.

In his speech, President Lai highlighted three key significances of the 'Taiwan Food Festival.' First, 'food is fundamental to life.' Whether it's the Paiwan people inviting others to dine with melodious songs or the common Taiwanese greeting 'Have you eaten?', food is a gateway to culture. The easiest way to experience local cuisines is through the 'Taiwan Food Festival,' where visitors can taste dishes from across Taiwan and learn about its diverse customs and traditions.

Second, the 'Taiwan Food Festival' is a crucial strategy for promoting tourism. Taiwan aims to be a tourism-driven nation, blessed with stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the famous saying that 'the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan is its people.' Among these, cuisine plays a vital role in driving the tourism industry. Last year (2025), nearly 8.6 million foreign tourists visited Taiwan, and this year's numbers are expected to exceed last year's. The goal is to reach 10 million annual international visitors by 2030 and break the one-trillion NT$ mark in tourism output.

Third, President Lai noted that food is an excellent way to build friendships. During Paraguayan President Peña's recent visit to Taiwan, in addition to touring TSMC (2330-TW), he dined at A-Hsia Restaurant in Tainan, savoring authentic local Taiwanese cuisine. He thoroughly enjoyed the meal and created unforgettable memories. Lai emphasized that hosting international leaders with local, home-style Taiwanese dishes is essential for diplomatic hospitality.

Beyond the food festival, President Lai mentioned the government's recent launch of 'Twalk Taiwan,' which features six scenic trails designed to attract foreign tourists. He expressed hope that by integrating culinary experiences with hiking through mountain and green trails, Taiwan can offer diverse travel experiences to attract more international visitors.

President Lai also stated that the government will actively promote the integration of food, exhibitions, and the tourism industry. Taking the renowned Taipei International Computer Exhibition (COMPUTEX) as an example, which draws numerous international professionals annually, he expressed the goal of converting these attendees into tourists who explore local cuisines, go hiking, and experience Taiwan's culture. This integration represents a key direction for future government efforts.