Taichung Sets Island-Wide Precedent by Receiving Global Green Destination Bronze Certification

Setting a groundbreaking precedent for sustainable tourism across Taiwan, Taichung City Government has earned the 'Global Green Destination' Bronze Certification, becoming the first local government in Taiwan to receive this international honor under the name of a 'city.' This achievement symbolizes Taichung's entry into the global map of sustainable tourism and signifies that its tourism governance has officially aligned with international sustainability systems, opening a new chapter in green tourism.

Chen Mei-hsiu, Director of Taichung City's Tourism and Travel Bureau, stated that this hard-earned international certification is the result of long-term collaboration between public and private sectors in implementing sustainability. Since 2023, the city government has introduced an international green tourism management system, comprehensively reviewing its performance across destination management, natural environment, cultural heritage, social well-being, and corporate sustainability based on 84 core criteria. As a result, 'sustainable tourism' in Taichung is no longer just a slogan, but a grounded, practical, and highly integrated urban governance framework, ensuring that every visitor's journey is a responsible one that balances environmental protection, local culture, and economic development.

In 2024 and 2025, Taichung was selected for the Global Top 100 Green Destinations' Sustainable Story Awards with the 'Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival' and the 'Huan Shan Hunter Trail,' making it the first and only local government in Taiwan to be recognized for two consecutive years. This achievement has further encouraged local businesses to take action, with seven enterprises—including Taichung Fullon Hotel, Taiwan Miso Brewing Cultural Museum, A-Tsung's Taro Cultural Museum, Baoxiong Fishing Port, Bicycle Discovery Cultural Museum, Lüxiang Zizai Light Travel, and Wufeng Lin Family Gongbao Di Park—receiving international certifications such as the Good Travel Seal (GTS) or the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards, collectively demonstrating the city's shared commitment to sustainability and mutual prosperity.

Director Chen emphasized that every step taken toward sustainable tourism builds a solid foundation for a green destination. Taichung's inclusion in the global sustainable tourism landscape is attributable not only to cross-departmental collaboration within the city government but also to the strong support from the Taiwan Sustainable Travel Association, major tourism industry partners, and civil organizations. She warmly invited travelers from around the world to experience Taichung's rich and diverse sustainable tourism offerings and personally witness the city's internationally recognized charm.