Nantou County Tourism Industry Alliance Chairmanship Transition: Hsu Shu-Hua Calls for Public-Private-Academic Collaboration to Create a New Era of Tourism

The Nantou County Tourism Industry Alliance Association held the inauguration and chairmanship transition ceremony for its 9th and 10th chairpersons on the morning of the 29th at Mu-Mu You-Lan Hot Spring Resort in Puli Township. Under the supervision of County Magistrate Hsu Shu-Hua, 9th-term Chairman Wei Chen-Yu formally handed over the official seal to 10th-term Chairman Mao Jin-Ri-Zang, symbolizing the passing of the torch and the beginning of a new era for Nantou’s tourism development. Magistrate Hsu presided over the ceremony, presented certificates of appointment, recognized outgoing Chairman Wei Chen-Yu’s outstanding contributions during his tenure, and expressed hopes that incoming Chairman Mao Jin-Ri-Zang would continue to unite industry, government, and academia to build Nantou into a sustainable and internationally competitive tourism destination.

Magistrate Hsu stated that since its establishment, the Nantou County Tourism Industry Alliance has served as a vital bridge between the government and the tourism sector. Its members include major industry associations such as hotels, homestays, recreational tourism operators, ferry and yacht services, tourism factories, and local tourism associations. The Alliance has long partnered with the county government to promote tourism development and remains Nantou’s most important tourism partner.

Hsu highlighted that during his 8th and 9th terms, Chairman Wei Chen-Yu led the board and supervisory committee in actively supporting county policies. He guided the industry through the pandemic, advanced quality improvements, domestic and international marketing, and sustainable transformation. He played a key role in implementing the Sun Moon Lake Tourism Circle Project, participating in international and domestic travel expos, and various promotional campaigns, earning the Alliance the inaugural 'Taiwan Tourism Golden Award'—a testament to Nantou’s tourism industry cohesion and competitiveness.

She also expressed special appreciation to Wei Chen-Yu and incoming Chairman Mao Jin-Ri-Zang for their joint support in successfully concluding the '2026 Nantou Chocolate & Coffee Festival,' which attracted over 550,000 visitors, generated over NT$33 million in sales, and drove tourism output exceeding NT$380 million—further demonstrating the powerful results of public-private collaboration.

Incoming 10th-term Chairman Mao Jin-Ri-Zang is the founder and chairman of Puli’s renowned 'Feeling18 Chocolate Workshop,' with a long-standing commitment to local industries, public welfare, and civic affairs. He stated that he will uphold the principles of 'unity, mutual benefit, innovation, and sustainability,' building on the solid foundation laid by previous chairpersons. He pledged to deepen collaboration with central and local governments and industry partners, actively promote tourism branding, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, international market expansion, and cross-sectoral integration to enhance Nantou’s overall tourism competitiveness.

The ceremony was attended by Legislator Ma Wen-Jun, County Councilors Huang Shih-Fang, Lin Fang-Yu, Chen Yi-Chun, Su Yu-Cheng, Puli Township Mayor Liao Chih-Cheng, and Guoxing Township Mayor Chiu Mei-Ling. The event included the certification of the 10th board and supervisors, appointment of advisors, and presentation of appreciation certificates. Notably, Associate Professor Tseng Hsi-Peng from the Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Hospitality Management at National Chi Nan University was specially appointed as the Alliance’s 'Sustainability Officer' to promote ESG principles, low-carbon tourism, sustainable governance, and talent development, guiding members to align with global sustainability trends.

Magistrate Hsu also took the opportunity to introduce the new leadership team at the County Tourism Department, including newly appointed Director Lin Hsiu-Mei, Deputy Director Wen Ming-Chung, Sustainable Tourism Section Chief Hsieh Kun-Hung, Planning Section Chief Lin Chien-Hung, and Liao Chih-Tsang, who will assume the role of Promotion Section Chief in mid-August. She expressed hope that this new team, with innovative thinking and specialized division of labor, will continue to advance major tourism infrastructure and branding initiatives, working hand-in-hand with the industry to create a new tourism landscape.

Hsu emphasized that the county’s tourism momentum remains strong, with major events such as the 2026 Nantou 100K Cycling Town Carnival, 2026 Nantou Stargazing Season, Central Taiwan Agricultural Marketing Exhibition, Sun Moon Lake 10,000-Person Swim, and Nantou World Tea Expo scheduled to take place. She invited visitors nationwide to participate actively. Additionally, consumers who spend over NT$100 in Nantou and register their receipts by the end of October can enter the 'Nantou Hao Kang Month' lucky draw, with a top prize of a BMW electric vehicle. Moving forward, the county government will continue to integrate central, local, and private sector efforts to promote Nantou, attracting more domestic and international tourists to experience its year-round natural beauty, mountains, waters, and cultural charm.